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The Summer We Danced
Seven summers. Two families. One beach house. And a diary that holds all the secrets.
As the fragile harmony of the Summer House begins to fracture, no one is more surprised than Tessa to find herself at the heart of the healing. In an unexpected twist, she becomes the bridge between two divided families—offering Crista a solution to her biggest problem. But can these adversaries join forces for the good of one little girl?
Vivien’s latest client proves to be more than just difficult—the woman is yet another threat to the confidence Vivien’s been fighting to find. And when a charming stranger enters the picture, nothing is quite what it seems.
Meanwhile, Tessa and Lacey take a cautious step toward trust as a long-held secret comes to light, forging a bond neither of them expected.
As spring bursts into summer, the question can they leave the rhythms of the past behind and learn to dance to a new beat, or will history keep them out of step with the future they really want?
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)
As the fragile harmony of the Summer House begins to fracture, no one is more surprised than Tessa to find herself at the heart of the healing. In an unexpected twist, she becomes the bridge between two divided families—offering Crista a solution to her biggest problem. But can these adversaries join forces for the good of one little girl?
Vivien’s latest client proves to be more than just difficult—the woman is yet another threat to the confidence Vivien’s been fighting to find. And when a charming stranger enters the picture, nothing is quite what it seems.
Meanwhile, Tessa and Lacey take a cautious step toward trust as a long-held secret comes to light, forging a bond neither of them expected.
As spring bursts into summer, the question can they leave the rhythms of the past behind and learn to dance to a new beat, or will history keep them out of step with the future they really want?
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)
380 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 2, 2025
2062 people are currently reading
262 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
May 22, 2025
I loved the story!
April 22, 2025
As usual, Hope Holloway and Cecelia Scott pull out all the feels in this second book in the Destin Diaries series. Destin seems to be the magical spot where people heal, hearts are mended, opportunities abound, and miracles happen. Start with book one so the story is more complete, but do not miss this heartwarming and emotional story from the white beaches and turquoise waters of Destin!
May 5, 2026
Super good. Because of Hope Holloway I have realized how much I enjoy books about extended families. This was book 2 in her Destin series and just like her Amelia Island series there are 7 books. I will definitely be going on to read the rest of the series. In this series there is definitely more of a mystery component and both the first book and this one ended kind of on a cliff hanger. I am super interested in what happens next. I have given every Hope Holloway book I have read 4 stars because I truly do enjoy them and I love a series. The only thing I will say is that the narrator who also narrated the Amelia Island series tends to be a bit over dramatic at times which has had me rolling my eyes a time or two. I do think she is a very good narrator though especially for this family drama genre.
Edited to say I realized that I did give one book in the Amelia Island series 3 stars but all the others in that series and this series so far I have rated 4 stars.
Edited to say I realized that I did give one book in the Amelia Island series 3 stars but all the others in that series and this series so far I have rated 4 stars.
April 24, 2025
This is the perfect second book in the Destin Diaries series. The characters and relationships we discovered in book one are brought even more to life as we learn in detail about the families and their past and future connections. Remember your teenage crush and your diaries? This series will take you back to those carefree summer days. I can’t imagine a better beach read than this!
January 12, 2026
Best Read Ever!! It’s A Book You Can’t Put Down!!
This book is a total escape if you love visits to the beach!! It has romance, intrigue, mystery, and much more!! Happy ending but the best part is another book with these same characters. This book has family squabbles and so wonderful that they are solved. You won’t be disappointed ever with this book. I’d love to go back to Destin for my childhood memories.
This book is a total escape if you love visits to the beach!! It has romance, intrigue, mystery, and much more!! Happy ending but the best part is another book with these same characters. This book has family squabbles and so wonderful that they are solved. You won’t be disappointed ever with this book. I’d love to go back to Destin for my childhood memories.
September 3, 2025
Jay813
A new series & collaberation by two award winning authors we meet the Lawson & Wylie families. Years ago the two families spent their summers together at a rental home in Destin Florida. Something happened that drove their parents apart but now over 30 years later the children
,now adults with various problems of their own ,have returned to the newly rebuilt summer home to rekindle the magic of those long ago friendships & solve the mystery behind the feud. Be prepared as this book is part of a series each ending in a cliffhanger forcing you to read the next in the series.
A new series & collaberation by two award winning authors we meet the Lawson & Wylie families. Years ago the two families spent their summers together at a rental home in Destin Florida. Something happened that drove their parents apart but now over 30 years later the children
,now adults with various problems of their own ,have returned to the newly rebuilt summer home to rekindle the magic of those long ago friendships & solve the mystery behind the feud. Be prepared as this book is part of a series each ending in a cliffhanger forcing you to read the next in the series.
April 30, 2025
The 2nd book in this amazing series in Destin, FL, and learning even more about the two families. In this book we get to learn more about Eli and Vivien's sister Crista and meet her adorable 7-year-old daughter that is dyslexic. Tessa is also dyslexic and agrees to share how she coped with this when she was young. The tensions because of Crista's loyalty to her mom and wanting to do what is best for her daughter are so strong. And we learn more secrets of Tessa and her past. Such great writing by these two amazing authors. I can't wait for the next one in the series.
April 29, 2025
A perfect beach read. Book 2 of the Destin Diaries picks up where Book 1 left off; with secrets and deceits of past generations trying to upset the bonds, friendships, and relationships of the current generation. Will they have the strength to overcome past challenges to find love and happiness at the Destin Beach House. Read on to find out. Thank you for the ARC copy.
May 15, 2025
Best series in recent times
It is so rewarding to read a series that makes you feel excited and happy. It certainly beats all the violence and horror of a lot of books now. It is exciting and refreshing. I am so to get away from violence and horror. I am looking forward to reading the next one
It is so rewarding to read a series that makes you feel excited and happy. It certainly beats all the violence and horror of a lot of books now. It is exciting and refreshing. I am so to get away from violence and horror. I am looking forward to reading the next one
June 15, 2025
Destin makes everything better
The Lawson's and the Wylie's kids have beautiful memories of their summers there and can't wait to rekindle, recreate, rejoice in those times again. Unfortunately their mothers don't share the same feelings. Can new beginnings happen this summer?
Wants a person want to walk the white sands and watch the events unfold-in the next book.
The Lawson's and the Wylie's kids have beautiful memories of their summers there and can't wait to rekindle, recreate, rejoice in those times again. Unfortunately their mothers don't share the same feelings. Can new beginnings happen this summer?
Wants a person want to walk the white sands and watch the events unfold-in the next book.
June 21, 2025
Good beach read
Destin sounds like the perfect beach town. I like that one character has a strong faith to guide him, another totally believes in science, the rest seem to get by with natural talent and you aren't sure who will find romance with whom. I also like that the characters are older.
Destin sounds like the perfect beach town. I like that one character has a strong faith to guide him, another totally believes in science, the rest seem to get by with natural talent and you aren't sure who will find romance with whom. I also like that the characters are older.
May 12, 2025
Another great story
The Destin Diaries has been a fun and exciting read. I really love each of the characters and the story line is so good I can’t put the book down. I can’t wait for Book 3 and 4.
The Destin Diaries has been a fun and exciting read. I really love each of the characters and the story line is so good I can’t put the book down. I can’t wait for Book 3 and 4.
May 13, 2025
loved this
What an amazing story. Everyone comes together. Jonah gets his dream fulfilled and we’ll see what happens next for him. Katie and Eli are reunited. Christa and Nolia come and stay and she reads.
What an amazing story. Everyone comes together. Jonah gets his dream fulfilled and we’ll see what happens next for him. Katie and Eli are reunited. Christa and Nolia come and stay and she reads.
May 15, 2025
Love It!
I can hardly wait for the next adventure. There's two families getting back together after decades of being apart. What will the outcome be after all the secrets are exposed. Got to get the next book.
I can hardly wait for the next adventure. There's two families getting back together after decades of being apart. What will the outcome be after all the secrets are exposed. Got to get the next book.
May 29, 2025
Wonderful heartwarming!
Hope Holloway never ceases to amaze me! What a lovely family story with twists and turns. I appreciate the fact she writes such wholesome books! On to the next one!
Hope Holloway never ceases to amaze me! What a lovely family story with twists and turns. I appreciate the fact she writes such wholesome books! On to the next one!
July 8, 2025
Second book in the Destin Diaries Series and just as quick paced and good as the first. I do enjoy how these authors challenge a different character for each book, it changes things up and doesn't get boring.Fun read.
August 23, 2025
Loving these families
The complexity of putting families together is always a challenge. Younger generations realize the past should stay in the past. My other highlight was both times I've been to Destin I went to the Back Porch .
The complexity of putting families together is always a challenge. Younger generations realize the past should stay in the past. My other highlight was both times I've been to Destin I went to the Back Porch .
May 3, 2025
Awesome series!
Love it when these two collaborate! Such interesting story lines. Never boring. Tore through this second one in less then 24 hrs and can't wait for more!
Love it when these two collaborate! Such interesting story lines. Never boring. Tore through this second one in less then 24 hrs and can't wait for more!
May 5, 2025
Love, loved , loved this book of the series. Can’t wait for the next one!
May 12, 2025
Dances
This was absolutely a wonderful read. I can't wait to read the next in the series. I definitely recommend this!
This was absolutely a wonderful read. I can't wait to read the next in the series. I definitely recommend this!
May 23, 2025
Interesting story line. Kept me interested all the way through and ended with "room" for a continuation!!
May 27, 2025
sweet summer dancing for sure
Great sequel to the 1st book….cant wait for the 3rd to continue to cute story of these families and friends!
Great sequel to the 1st book….cant wait for the 3rd to continue to cute story of these families and friends!
June 14, 2025
Absolutely kept me reading
I liked the enter changing of characters. I would recommend this to my friends and family. I can't wait to start the next one.
I liked the enter changing of characters. I would recommend this to my friends and family. I can't wait to start the next one.
June 14, 2025
Enjoyable, easy read
This series will make you cheer people on, hope for forgiveness and smile at the deep love of family and friends.
This series will make you cheer people on, hope for forgiveness and smile at the deep love of family and friends.
June 17, 2025
Loved it!
You'll fall in love with the Characters And the family they form. I couldn't put the book down Because I had to find out how it ended!
You'll fall in love with the Characters And the family they form. I couldn't put the book down Because I had to find out how it ended!
June 20, 2025
Great Series
I am really enjoying this series, the characters have real struggles and how they react is wonderful. Thank you, looking forward to the next one!
I am really enjoying this series, the characters have real struggles and how they react is wonderful. Thank you, looking forward to the next one!
July 26, 2025
Good story
Characters are well developed and the story presents challenges and victories. Some twists and turns keep it interesting. Second in the series
Characters are well developed and the story presents challenges and victories. Some twists and turns keep it interesting. Second in the series
September 1, 2025
Good second book in series. Interesting cliffhanger.
April 22, 2025
The Summer We Danced brings us back to the magic of Destin, Fl in the second book of the Destin Diaries. Once again, we get involved with the Lawson’s and the Wylie’s as they navigate the decades-old feud between their mothers. The now adult children work together in new adventures, understanding the feud has nothing to do with them. We get to know little Nolie, an adorable seven-year-old with dyslexia and a personality bubbling with joy. When some might say nothing is wrong with her, we watch as Tessa Wylie, also dyslexic, is able to breach the walls preventing Nolie, a Lawson, from learning to read. The emotions and love are evident as these two families strive to heal the wounds of the past, enjoy the present, and look to the future. I recommend reading the first book in order to get to know the characters and their charm. This is another heartwarming story and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
March 31, 2026
The Summer We Danced, the second book in the Destin Diaries, once again beautifully captures the magic of my second home, Destin, Fl. From the very first pages, I felt transported back, the warmth, the charm, and that unmistakable feeling of escape that makes Destin so special.
What stood out most to me was how authentically the story portrayed family dynamics. The conflict, the ups and downs, and the emotional highs and lows felt incredibly real and relatable. It’s the kind of storytelling that pulls you in and reminds you of your own experiences with the people you love.
The characters each brought something special to the story, and together they truly captured the spirit of this magical place. Their journeys felt genuine and heartfelt, adding depth to what could easily be just a light beach read.
I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick, meaningful beach read that perfectly captures the feeling of vacationing in paradise.
What stood out most to me was how authentically the story portrayed family dynamics. The conflict, the ups and downs, and the emotional highs and lows felt incredibly real and relatable. It’s the kind of storytelling that pulls you in and reminds you of your own experiences with the people you love.
The characters each brought something special to the story, and together they truly captured the spirit of this magical place. Their journeys felt genuine and heartfelt, adding depth to what could easily be just a light beach read.
I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick, meaningful beach read that perfectly captures the feeling of vacationing in paradise.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews