What do you think?
Rate this book
The Summer We Made Promises
Seven summers. Two families. One beach house. And a diary that holds all the secrets.
As the sun burns bright on the white sands of Destin, Vivien's love life takes an unexpected turn. She finds herself torn between two very different men, both offering something she thought she’d lost—security, excitement, and the chance to finally choose herself.
Maggie and Jo Ellen, best friends turned bitter enemies, become unlikely allies. When they discover the last piece of the puzzle of their past, they are forced to question everything they thought they knew about the men they married. Were the promises they made to their husbands never meant to be kept after all?
But it is Lacey whose life is upended the most because of a promise she'd made to Tessa. While chasing a long-buried secret, Lacey finds herself involved in a connection that could not only betray a dear friend, but shatter her heart.
The Summer We Made Promises is a story of friendship, forgiveness, and the fragile vows we make to one another...and what happens when breaking them means risking everything.
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 sun burns bright on the white sands of Destin, Vivien's love life takes an unexpected turn. She finds herself torn between two very different men, both offering something she thought she’d lost—security, excitement, and the chance to finally choose herself.
Maggie and Jo Ellen, best friends turned bitter enemies, become unlikely allies. When they discover the last piece of the puzzle of their past, they are forced to question everything they thought they knew about the men they married. Were the promises they made to their husbands never meant to be kept after all?
But it is Lacey whose life is upended the most because of a promise she'd made to Tessa. While chasing a long-buried secret, Lacey finds herself involved in a connection that could not only betray a dear friend, but shatter her heart.
The Summer We Made Promises is a story of friendship, forgiveness, and the fragile vows we make to one another...and what happens when breaking them means risking everything.
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)
358 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 27, 2025
1095 people are currently reading
204 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
June 14, 2025
The Summer We Made Promises - so many emotions! Some issues are resolved, others come to light, and through it all, the love of family. With a shared history, a few secrets, occasional regrets, and ultimately some acceptance and forgiveness, new relationships develop, old ones are rekindled and redefined, and new directions in life take form. I’m loving this series of the Lawson and Wylies in Destin - I laughed, I sighed, I cried. So many feels! It’s best read from the beginning (you don’t want to miss a thing!), and it’s definitely hard to put down!
October 19, 2025
Good One Time Read
This series isn’t one where you need to read one right after the other. I’ll read one and then come back to read another.
Spoilers
I love the Kate and Eli story line.
I enjoyed Vivian’s flirtations. And happy with her choice. The Peter ending was weird. The authors will drag on a storyline and then others try to sum up in 3 sentences.
I’m ready for Tessa to move on. Each book has been about the authors telling us how much we need to love her. Entire chapters of Lacey just goggling after her. I had enough after her reaction to Roman. After the anger, not once did she become the reassuring one. He was always reassuring her. He is your son and never took on that responsibility when telling the family.
I’m also glad the Roger/Artie storyline is finished. It was time.
Really, a car wreck. I like Jonah and there are a ton of ways he could have ended up a single father. But a car wreck. Seriously.
This series isn’t one where you need to read one right after the other. I’ll read one and then come back to read another.
Spoilers
I love the Kate and Eli story line.
I enjoyed Vivian’s flirtations. And happy with her choice. The Peter ending was weird. The authors will drag on a storyline and then others try to sum up in 3 sentences.
I’m ready for Tessa to move on. Each book has been about the authors telling us how much we need to love her. Entire chapters of Lacey just goggling after her. I had enough after her reaction to Roman. After the anger, not once did she become the reassuring one. He was always reassuring her. He is your son and never took on that responsibility when telling the family.
I’m also glad the Roger/Artie storyline is finished. It was time.
Really, a car wreck. I like Jonah and there are a ton of ways he could have ended up a single father. But a car wreck. Seriously.
June 27, 2025
Holloway and Scott are back with the third book in their Destin Diaries series. These authors really know how to pull the heartstrings. I'm fully engaged with these characters and 100% invested in their happiness. They feel like friends at this point and I'm always eager to dive into a new book and discover what's happening in their lives.
This newest book brings more of the humor and heart I've come to expect from the series along with the emotional depth that adds another layer of richness to the story. The journey continues to evolve for the members of the Lawson and Wylie families who have reunited in Destin following twenty years of estrangement. There's a lot going on, especially with the primary characters. As they settle in for the rest of the summer we're treated to new (and evolving) relationships, fraught friendships, secrets, betrayals, an old mystery finally solved, and unexpected additions to the families. I read it in one day and am already eagerly anticipating book four.
If you're looking for a series of books that make you laugh, sigh, shed a tear or two, and feel like each book is a visit with good friends, check out The Destin Diaries. This is a series that I strongly recommend reading in order.
This newest book brings more of the humor and heart I've come to expect from the series along with the emotional depth that adds another layer of richness to the story. The journey continues to evolve for the members of the Lawson and Wylie families who have reunited in Destin following twenty years of estrangement. There's a lot going on, especially with the primary characters. As they settle in for the rest of the summer we're treated to new (and evolving) relationships, fraught friendships, secrets, betrayals, an old mystery finally solved, and unexpected additions to the families. I read it in one day and am already eagerly anticipating book four.
If you're looking for a series of books that make you laugh, sigh, shed a tear or two, and feel like each book is a visit with good friends, check out The Destin Diaries. This is a series that I strongly recommend reading in order.
July 3, 2025
This is just Excellent!!
Hope Holloway & Cecelia Scott have written another exciting and wonderful book, The Destin Diaries Book is such a great series! If you haven't read
them yet, you are missing out on an excellent read.
The Summer We Made Promises answers so many questions from the previous books. It also lets you see into the life of Maggie and Jo Ellen.
Which explains why Maggie is so bitter. Vivian makes a choice about two men who love her. Lacey stirs up a lot of unanswered questions when she digs into something that may ruin the wonderful relationship she has with Tessa. In doing that she brings someone into the family that could affect the rest of her life, she is in such a dilemma.
Just when you think the answer to all the family's questions will never be answered, an unexpected man shows up, changing the lives of everyone living at the Summer House. This book has it all; mystery, intrigue, laughter and lots of love. Don't miss this fabulous story of two families with years of resentment behind them, can they ever find happiness together once more?!!! You need to read this to find out!!
Hope Holloway & Cecelia Scott have written another exciting and wonderful book, The Destin Diaries Book is such a great series! If you haven't read
them yet, you are missing out on an excellent read.
The Summer We Made Promises answers so many questions from the previous books. It also lets you see into the life of Maggie and Jo Ellen.
Which explains why Maggie is so bitter. Vivian makes a choice about two men who love her. Lacey stirs up a lot of unanswered questions when she digs into something that may ruin the wonderful relationship she has with Tessa. In doing that she brings someone into the family that could affect the rest of her life, she is in such a dilemma.
Just when you think the answer to all the family's questions will never be answered, an unexpected man shows up, changing the lives of everyone living at the Summer House. This book has it all; mystery, intrigue, laughter and lots of love. Don't miss this fabulous story of two families with years of resentment behind them, can they ever find happiness together once more?!!! You need to read this to find out!!
June 14, 2025
The Summer We Made Promises is another heartfelt story with the Lawson and Wylie families. I love these two families with all their dysfunction, past secrets and the mystery of what actually happened 30 years ago. New people are introduced into the circle of family and friends. There is a lot of love and forgiveness going around, with the opportunity for second chances. There is so much going on in the series; I recommend you read the books in order to appreciate all the wonderful characters.
June 30, 2025
There are some shocking secrets from the past that once revealed made me soo angry that friendships had been lot for soo long where as they could have been there for each other, then I wonder would the friendships built this summer have happened!
There are plenty of things to be happy about it this one, from mending hearts, channeling Nancy Drew and learning of hero's and family and I was so proud of Viv and her decision, then we get to the ending of the book and OMG talk about jaw drop now the countdown is on till my birthday as it releases just after!
There are plenty of things to be happy about it this one, from mending hearts, channeling Nancy Drew and learning of hero's and family and I was so proud of Viv and her decision, then we get to the ending of the book and OMG talk about jaw drop now the countdown is on till my birthday as it releases just after!
July 5, 2025
Good beach series!
Set in a beach house and town where the characters always gathered for summer vacations, two families try to resolve the mysterious requests their fathers/husbands made before they died. The wives were best friends in college and while their families were growing up, but a feud between their deceased husbands seems to change everything. Can the accusations be overcome? Interesting characters and different plots keep things moving along so you need to read the next book in the series as quickly as it comes out!
Set in a beach house and town where the characters always gathered for summer vacations, two families try to resolve the mysterious requests their fathers/husbands made before they died. The wives were best friends in college and while their families were growing up, but a feud between their deceased husbands seems to change everything. Can the accusations be overcome? Interesting characters and different plots keep things moving along so you need to read the next book in the series as quickly as it comes out!
July 18, 2025
Seven years of Walking on Sunshine with their toes in the water
Three friends who became like sisters, two teenage boys who grew into extraordinary men, and all of life's challenges thrown into the mix. The promises that threaten, that split up friendships, sworn to secrets that couldn't be contained, and bonds that only grew stronger. This story contains it all and so glad to read how all the pieces finally came all together. The bonds of these two family are only going to grow stronger & stronger as they navigate what life is throwing out next.
Three friends who became like sisters, two teenage boys who grew into extraordinary men, and all of life's challenges thrown into the mix. The promises that threaten, that split up friendships, sworn to secrets that couldn't be contained, and bonds that only grew stronger. This story contains it all and so glad to read how all the pieces finally came all together. The bonds of these two family are only going to grow stronger & stronger as they navigate what life is throwing out next.
June 22, 2025
I could not put this book down! I literally didn’t even move from my chair while I read the entire book. I didn’t think I could love Hope or Cecelia’s books any more than I already did, but this is my favorite series by far. One of my favorite things is there are things going on in so many generations. You can relate to all of them in different ways. There were a lot of twists I didn’t see coming and some answers I’d been waiting for. Can’t wait for the next book in the series!
July 3, 2025
The third book in the Destin Diaries series, I am so emotionally involved in these families! We do get a few answers, but new questions have come to light. The secrets and regrets have changed relationships, some for the better.
As the Lawson and Wylies families are now my friends, I am anxious for the next book to drop on my kindle.
Thank you to the Authors for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
As the Lawson and Wylies families are now my friends, I am anxious for the next book to drop on my kindle.
Thank you to the Authors for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
September 10, 2025
I love this book from start to finish. I read it so many times I would go back and reread parts of it because I loved it so much. The characters are real. The story was funny but heartwarming the author did a wonderful job and telling the story, the way it should be told With lots of heart and soul. It was easy to follow. It took me a month to read it only because I kept going back and rereading parts that I loved this is a definite win-win book.
June 27, 2025
The “Summer We Made Promises” is book three in the Destin Diaries series. This series gets better and better with each new book. The families fill each day with exploring mysteries, growing closer together, renewing old friendships and most of all finding love! These two authors, Hope and Cecelia, are an amazing team. Writing about friendships, family, life and love. Loved this book!!!
June 30, 2025
Amazing book!
Just when I thought this series couldn’t get any better, I find that it did. It exceeded my expectations. These authors are a great team who write great books. The story is not at all predictable. It is full of mystery and twists and turns. I can’t wait for the next one!
Just when I thought this series couldn’t get any better, I find that it did. It exceeded my expectations. These authors are a great team who write great books. The story is not at all predictable. It is full of mystery and twists and turns. I can’t wait for the next one!
June 22, 2025
Another great addition in the Destin series. I love this series and how these families are trying to figure out what happened so many years ago to keep them apart. There are new people introduced and some mysteries solved and then more added. Great series!
June 27, 2025
The Summer We Made Promises by Hope Holloway and Cecelia Scott ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
OH MY GOODNESS!!!!! Need I say more nope. There's no need......
Welcome back to The Destin Diaries series this is book 3. FYI must be read in order. Although they don't end with a cliffhanger you will miss out on all the great events that happen in every book. They will leave you begging for more but don't worry book 4 will be out shortly.
Pre-order your copy today as it releases in just a few days and you'll want to have it in your hands when it does.
OH MY GOODNESS!!!!! Need I say more nope. There's no need......
Welcome back to The Destin Diaries series this is book 3. FYI must be read in order. Although they don't end with a cliffhanger you will miss out on all the great events that happen in every book. They will leave you begging for more but don't worry book 4 will be out shortly.
Pre-order your copy today as it releases in just a few days and you'll want to have it in your hands when it does.
June 25, 2025
Fabulous! I love this series. It’s well written and the characters are so real - like old friends. It has everything to make it a good read: deceit, mystery, love, romance, friendship, and fun. A must read. Thank you for the ARC copy.
June 29, 2025
Family redemption and renewal
Both familes have secrets have secrets to resolve jo Ellen and Maggie, the matriarchs have a lot to resolve.there is a lot of mentioning of Nancy Drew and solving some questions. I can't wait for the next installment.
Both familes have secrets have secrets to resolve jo Ellen and Maggie, the matriarchs have a lot to resolve.there is a lot of mentioning of Nancy Drew and solving some questions. I can't wait for the next installment.
July 5, 2025
I am loving this series! I live in Destin, and I love how the authors included so many local landmarks. The characters are endearing, and I am completely invested in the relationships growing and changing. I can’t wait for the next one!
July 9, 2025
I love this series!
This story was so great, I could not stop reading. I laughed and I cried but I never stopped reading. Each of the books in this series is so good and so interesting. A big Thank you to Hope Holloway and Cecelia Scott.
This story was so great, I could not stop reading. I laughed and I cried but I never stopped reading. Each of the books in this series is so good and so interesting. A big Thank you to Hope Holloway and Cecelia Scott.
July 12, 2025
I love these authors and I love these books. I've been to Destin and Okaloosa island many times. My in laws live in Ft. Walton Beach. I just wish these authors would write the whole book at once. It's kind of a let down when you have to wait a month or more for the next book.
July 17, 2025
lives strung together by ironic mysteries
The further I was into the story, the more intrigued I was. When the truths finally, little by little, opened an entirely new reality, the ending was so satisfying and surprising. Don’t pass this novel up. It will just be such a treat.
The further I was into the story, the more intrigued I was. When the truths finally, little by little, opened an entirely new reality, the ending was so satisfying and surprising. Don’t pass this novel up. It will just be such a treat.
July 26, 2025
The series continues with book 3. This story adds new characters, answers questions, solves mysteries and has you wanting more! This Serena’s grasped me and I feel like it is a real life story. Would make a great Netflix series!
July 31, 2025
Book 3 in the Destin Diaries series. It continues to be very heart warming stories about lost family and friends from many years ago. While the reconstruction of the family beach house goes on so do more of the individuals lives intertwine!
September 18, 2025
A very light hearted summer beachy read. I liked the characters, the story line and the flow. A feel good book. This is the first time I’ve read this author but will definitely read more of her books when I need something light.
October 8, 2025
Love the Lawsons and Wylies
I love the Destin Diaries. I wish I was a Lawson or a Wylie ! Love the characters, the stories and the town. I recommend this Series to anyone that loves friendship stories.
I love the Destin Diaries. I wish I was a Lawson or a Wylie ! Love the characters, the stories and the town. I recommend this Series to anyone that loves friendship stories.
July 1, 2025
This might just be my very favorite book of all Hope Holloway’s books! No spoilers, but I cried twice!😳
July 3, 2025
Good story-kept my interest- can't wait to read the next installment
July 8, 2025
Summer
Another amazing Hope Holloway book! The Destin Diaries is a wonderful story of a dysfunctional family full of secrets. As the secrets unfold the intrigue begins.
Another amazing Hope Holloway book! The Destin Diaries is a wonderful story of a dysfunctional family full of secrets. As the secrets unfold the intrigue begins.
Read
July 8, 2025Good character develpopment but someti,es I feel like I needed a geneology chart to remeber who's related to whom
July 18, 2025
Reunited
Book 3 is the best in this series so far! Don’t miss this emotional and explanatory book focused on reuniting the two families.
Book 3 is the best in this series so far! Don’t miss this emotional and explanatory book focused on reuniting the two families.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews