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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)
378 pages, Paperback
Published April 28, 2025
1748 people are currently reading
218 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 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!
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!
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.
August 3, 2025
The second book in The Destin Diaries series, expands on the characters and history established in "The Summer We Met." The core group of five adults, now in their 40s and 50s, continues to deal with the past and build a new future.
The storyline continued smoothly with the new challenges and old secrets testing the harmony of the Summer House characters. The long-lost diaries continue to reveal truths and force characters to re-examine their past. And the "long-buried secret" continues to evolve but doesn't take over the storyline.
Thoroughly loves how this book expanded on the first book and continued to explore the family dynamics, rekindled relationships, and the search for resolution to long-held secrets. The characters evolve as well, as they confront the past and move toward a hopeful future.
The storyline continued smoothly with the new challenges and old secrets testing the harmony of the Summer House characters. The long-lost diaries continue to reveal truths and force characters to re-examine their past. And the "long-buried secret" continues to evolve but doesn't take over the storyline.
Thoroughly loves how this book expanded on the first book and continued to explore the family dynamics, rekindled relationships, and the search for resolution to long-held secrets. The characters evolve as well, as they confront the past and move toward a hopeful future.
October 21, 2025
I have read many of Hope Holloway’s books and have always enjoyed them as a light read. I don’t often review books that I read but I just couldn’t let this one pass me by without commenting. The story line in this book about dyslexia is completely off the mark. As a Certified Academic Language Therapist who has worked for 10 years with dyslexia students I have insight into this subject. Dyslexia cannot be remediated with a few weeks of activity. It requires a certified specialist who has years of training. It requires a hands on structured learning and months of hard work by both the student and the therapist. Yes it can be very successful as the therapist directs the student through many activities to retrain the brain. I have a hard time with the glossed over quick fix that was portrayed in this book.
May 3, 2025
Holloway and Scott hit it out of the park again with this second heart-tugging book in their Destin Diaries series. Liberally sprinkled with emotion, humor, family dynamics, a bit of romance, and an overlying mystery, the continuing journeys of these intriguing and relatable characters drew me in and held me willingly captive. They feel like friends. I already have an emotional attachment to all of them and am eager to discover what awaits them in future books.
As with other series from these two authors, for full enjoyment and a more complete understanding of the characters, I strongly recommend beginning with the first book in the series and reading the remaining in order.
As with other series from these two authors, for full enjoyment and a more complete understanding of the characters, I strongly recommend beginning with the first book in the series and reading the remaining in order.
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.
May 2, 2025
The Summer we Danced by Hope Holloway and Cecelia Scott ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Welcome back to Destin , FL where, love, lies and secrets are explored. The adventure picks right back up from book 1 right in the beginning of book 2. Can the Lawson's and Wylie's come back together from the news they receive or is it time to walk away.
So if you are reading this please read book 1 first.
Hope Holloway's books MUST be read in order.
Can't wait to see what's next in book 3 which comes out later in the year.
Welcome back to Destin , FL where, love, lies and secrets are explored. The adventure picks right back up from book 1 right in the beginning of book 2. Can the Lawson's and Wylie's come back together from the news they receive or is it time to walk away.
So if you are reading this please read book 1 first.
Hope Holloway's books MUST be read in order.
Can't wait to see what's next in book 3 which comes out later in the year.
May 2, 2025
“The Summer We Danced” is a wonderful second book in this series. The story takes us back to the charming beach town of Destin, FL that has undergone many changes over the years but the friendships between these characters that started in their teens has only become stronger. There are challenges, secrets, miracles, a precious little girl, and blossoming romance. A perfect, feel good beach read!
May 8, 2025
Oh the drama!!
I loved this second book in the Destin Diaries. The authors combine for another magic combination of happiness and other emotions. As more information is revealed, we learn more of the past and the relationships between the families. The Lawsons and the Wylies have a story to tell, and I am ready to know more.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
I loved this second book in the Destin Diaries. The authors combine for another magic combination of happiness and other emotions. As more information is revealed, we learn more of the past and the relationships between the families. The Lawsons and the Wylies have a story to tell, and I am ready to know more.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
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.
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 12, 2025
I love how we continue to see friendships renew and romances blossom along with some healing happening with the past between these two families. There are definitely some heightened emotions not going to lie I shed a tear or two as well as got surprised by what I expected to be a fiery exchange!
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 this series!!!
I am enjoying this series and the Authors writing this together so much. Cannot wait until June to read book 3!!!
I am enjoying this series and the Authors writing this together so much. Cannot wait until June to read book 3!!!
May 5, 2025
Love, loved , loved this book of the series. Can’t wait for the next one!
May 5, 2025
Oh the drama and excitement in this book. My favorite is that just like the Asheville Christmas Series this leaves me wanting to read the next book.
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 20, 2025
So much going on!
I love the characters. Some seem evil but then they reform. Some seem sweet but then they gain strength of character. They all appear to grow up in some way.
I love the characters. Some seem evil but then they reform. Some seem sweet but then they gain strength of character. They all appear to grow up in some way.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews