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The Summer We Kept Secrets
Seven summers. Two families. One beach house. And a diary that holds all the secrets.
As the sun beats down on Destin, life at the Summer House takes a dramatic turn—starting with its tiniest new arrival. As Jonah settles into life as a single father of a newborn, he has to imagine a future he never dared to dream. When his seemingly perfect sister shows up with a few secrets of her own, the entire family dynamic is forced to shift.
Tessa is stepping into a new chapter—one that asks her to choose between playing it safe or taking the kind of risk that changes everything. And when Kate returns to Destin to see if her spark with Eli still burns, they face a test that could easily mean the end of this budding romance.
Meanwhile, Maggie must confront her deepest fears as she and Jo Ellen set off on a secret adventure that is equal parts heartstopping and hilarious.
In a season of sunshine and second chances, some secrets are meant to stay buried. But others will come to light and bring these two intertwined families ever closer...and forever changed.
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 beats down on Destin, life at the Summer House takes a dramatic turn—starting with its tiniest new arrival. As Jonah settles into life as a single father of a newborn, he has to imagine a future he never dared to dream. When his seemingly perfect sister shows up with a few secrets of her own, the entire family dynamic is forced to shift.
Tessa is stepping into a new chapter—one that asks her to choose between playing it safe or taking the kind of risk that changes everything. And when Kate returns to Destin to see if her spark with Eli still burns, they face a test that could easily mean the end of this budding romance.
Meanwhile, Maggie must confront her deepest fears as she and Jo Ellen set off on a secret adventure that is equal parts heartstopping and hilarious.
In a season of sunshine and second chances, some secrets are meant to stay buried. But others will come to light and bring these two intertwined families ever closer...and forever changed.
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 August 8, 2025
1373 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
August 18, 2025
A Heartwarming, inspirational beach novel. Strong family relationships, and great childhood friends. This is book four of a series of six books, and quickly became a favorite of mine. I highly recommend.
August 3, 2025
The Summer We Kept Secrets continues the story of the summer house with the Lawson and Wylie families. It grabbed me and kept me captivated from the first page. It is filled with emotion, surprises, drama, family, and love. I laughed and cried - such a wonderful, heartwarming story! Although a person could jump in here, reading this series from the beginning is highly recommended - so many secrets, so many smiles, some heartaches, and above all, family that comes together for each other. I am loving this series!
August 17, 2025
WOW!!
This series just gets better and better!!! I have enjoyed all three books by Hope Holloway and Cecelia Scott in the Destin Diaries series but book four The Summer We Kept Secrets is beyond excellent!! Practically everyone in the family has a secret in book four. There is so much going on, just like the last three books. I thought revealing the secret of why the Lawson's & Wylie's had a thirty year falling out was so amazing! You find that answer at the end of book three, it made me figure all the secrets would go away, was I wrong!! Now I can not wait until book five to see what happens next. If you're into mystery, long walks along the sandy beach, surprises, laugh out loud humor, watching how God's hand changes things through prayer, faith and love - This books for you.
This series just gets better and better!!! I have enjoyed all three books by Hope Holloway and Cecelia Scott in the Destin Diaries series but book four The Summer We Kept Secrets is beyond excellent!! Practically everyone in the family has a secret in book four. There is so much going on, just like the last three books. I thought revealing the secret of why the Lawson's & Wylie's had a thirty year falling out was so amazing! You find that answer at the end of book three, it made me figure all the secrets would go away, was I wrong!! Now I can not wait until book five to see what happens next. If you're into mystery, long walks along the sandy beach, surprises, laugh out loud humor, watching how God's hand changes things through prayer, faith and love - This books for you.
August 19, 2025
We are back in Destin at Summer House. Secrets are revealed; new ones pop up. A lot of emotion, drama, surprises, but the central theme is family and love.
The Lawson and Wylie families are now friends. I look forward to visiting, getting caught up on the current news, and laughing and crying with them. Problems big and small are solved with support from all.
Even though my heart gets a workout, at the end of each book, I cannot wait to return.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
The Lawson and Wylie families are now friends. I look forward to visiting, getting caught up on the current news, and laughing and crying with them. Problems big and small are solved with support from all.
Even though my heart gets a workout, at the end of each book, I cannot wait to return.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
August 13, 2025
Each book in this series has taken me on an emotional journey filled with laughter, tears, heartbreak, hope, and love. And, each book in this series has left me eager to return to this beautiful Destin beach house for more time with the Lawson and Wylie families. I have no idea what I'm going to do when I turn the final page of the seventh book. I guess I'll have to go back to book one and read them all again. I love these characters that much.
The Summer We Kept Secrets continues the evolving relationships that have grown over the course of the first three books while also introducing course changes that will impact all of our characters. The authors have developed these characters to the point where they all feel like friends which, of course, heightens the emotional impact of every shift and obstacle life throws their way. I am so invested in each and every one of them!
One of the facets I love about this series is the attention given to each generation. Whether it's a young child struggling in school, twenty-somethings searching for their life path, middle-age couples testing romantic waters for a second time, seniors setting off on unexpected adventures, or an unexpected reunion that may (or may not) lead to a fifty-something woman finding love for the first time, each generation is given their due.
I can't wait to discover what Holloway and Scott have planned for all of their characters in book five. As each book in this series builds upon on the previous ones, I strongly recommend reading them in order.
The Summer We Kept Secrets continues the evolving relationships that have grown over the course of the first three books while also introducing course changes that will impact all of our characters. The authors have developed these characters to the point where they all feel like friends which, of course, heightens the emotional impact of every shift and obstacle life throws their way. I am so invested in each and every one of them!
One of the facets I love about this series is the attention given to each generation. Whether it's a young child struggling in school, twenty-somethings searching for their life path, middle-age couples testing romantic waters for a second time, seniors setting off on unexpected adventures, or an unexpected reunion that may (or may not) lead to a fifty-something woman finding love for the first time, each generation is given their due.
I can't wait to discover what Holloway and Scott have planned for all of their characters in book five. As each book in this series builds upon on the previous ones, I strongly recommend reading them in order.
October 10, 2025
This book just makes you fall in love with these amazing people
These books give you a front roll seat into a multi generational, dysfunctional, blended families. from the mom's of adult children, to grandmothers & great grandmother, children with children & grandchildren who together make of it seems like a breeze on a white sandy beach. The love and unloved, finding love in old friends, lost love whom is still grieved, and bonds of young adults who have turned into into old dear friends, midlife lovers finding a joy they thought would never come around again. All the things that make life a good lift. Be prepared to laugh, cry, be stunned and strained all in the same few pages.
These books give you a front roll seat into a multi generational, dysfunctional, blended families. from the mom's of adult children, to grandmothers & great grandmother, children with children & grandchildren who together make of it seems like a breeze on a white sandy beach. The love and unloved, finding love in old friends, lost love whom is still grieved, and bonds of young adults who have turned into into old dear friends, midlife lovers finding a joy they thought would never come around again. All the things that make life a good lift. Be prepared to laugh, cry, be stunned and strained all in the same few pages.
August 3, 2025
Oh my, what a wonderful, heartwarming book! There are so many emotional feels throughout with the Lawson and Wylie families. They are normal humans who have problems, big and small, but the strength within the family unit to support each other is unparalleled. There is faith, love, and compassion, but sometimes a difference of opinion may happen during pivotal moments. When a miracle is needed, skepticism is voiced from some, prayers are said by others, and even when miracles do not give the hoped for response, the two families have each others’ backs. I love this series and highly recommend all of the books. I cannot wait for the next book to come!
August 8, 2025
The Summer We Kept Secrets by Hope Holloway and Cecelia Scott ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Book 4 of this series and sure am glad that there will be 3 more books of the series.
I love this series as the families get bigger with new babies, budding romances there is no shortage of love, heartbreak, and drama. But as a family they support each other through everything.
I have never laughed so hard as I did in this book while the oldest family members take a road trip to Miami a trip that will never be forgotten.
I hope you pick up this book and add it to your collection. This collection as well as all Hope's other series must be read in order and take it from me you won't regret it.
Book 4 of this series and sure am glad that there will be 3 more books of the series.
I love this series as the families get bigger with new babies, budding romances there is no shortage of love, heartbreak, and drama. But as a family they support each other through everything.
I have never laughed so hard as I did in this book while the oldest family members take a road trip to Miami a trip that will never be forgotten.
I hope you pick up this book and add it to your collection. This collection as well as all Hope's other series must be read in order and take it from me you won't regret it.
August 21, 2025
I love, love, love the Destin Diaries and all the characters. But now I'm crazy about Maggie and Jo Ellen. Their 'adventure' was so much fun I'm thinking of reading those chapters again. I'm praying for Kate and Eli, actually praying that Kate will understand prayer and Eli's faith. She's so smart (too smart?) and too hard-nosed scientific. They belong together. This is a dynamic and heart-throbbing series. Be sure to start with Book 1 so you don't miss any drama or trauma. Exceptional writing, too.
August 5, 2025
“The Summer We Kept Secrets” is all about new babies, new adventures for two senior friends, a mystery solved, new friendships that may lead to new romance, a new home to share…all in this lovely little beach town. These two authors are so creative and write such interesting stories with great characters. Each story in this series is filled with family, love, some mystery, friendships, adventures and has some surprises. Loved this book!
August 14, 2025
I enjoyed this book and have enjoyed the books they have written together.
The first time that I tried their series was Carolina Christmas and would recommend it as well.
I love how it continues so well from where the last book left off. This time we see different characters being the main ones. Each one takes you on an adventure with ups and downs.
I really can’t wait to see where book 5 will lead us.
The first time that I tried their series was Carolina Christmas and would recommend it as well.
I love how it continues so well from where the last book left off. This time we see different characters being the main ones. Each one takes you on an adventure with ups and downs.
I really can’t wait to see where book 5 will lead us.
August 21, 2025
There are definitely different challenges for Wylie and Lawsons to work through, I worried as we met new grandparents and Kate and Eli's relationship is tested then we have the last Lawson family member finally comes to Destin. I have to say my most favorite part of this book was the family matriarchs adventures they had and finding out the real reason for the car which had me in stitches along with their new friends and lease on life!
September 7, 2025
Loved the Thelma and Louise grandmothers in this one. Their adventure was a great storyline and inspiring for Baby Boomers. Tessa’s story also show the strength of a woman who is finally getting to know herself. Also makes one wonder why and how long we stay in a situation, such as her old job. The forced change in her professional role ended up opening her mind and heart to a new season of life.
August 6, 2025
The Lawson and Wiley families’ summer fun continues! We learn more about some past connections, see potential for future connections, cheer people on, and feel sadness at their losses. The road trip to get the classic car makes me hope for second chances. I can’t wait for the next in the series because I need to know how all these relationships play out! Best summer beach read!!!
August 17, 2025
Family Love & Laughter
I loved this book! Lots of normal life challenges, family members with strong personalities but lots of love for each other. And the two grandmothers going on a road trip driving a stick-shift old convertible! Their antics made me LOL numerous times!!! Very well written with a storyline that is relatable and full of family love. A must read!
I loved this book! Lots of normal life challenges, family members with strong personalities but lots of love for each other. And the two grandmothers going on a road trip driving a stick-shift old convertible! Their antics made me LOL numerous times!!! Very well written with a storyline that is relatable and full of family love. A must read!
August 25, 2025
Five stars
Very good novel! The characters were very realistic and the families close and loving. I have been reading Hope Holloway novels for some time now and have been reading this series by Hope and Cecelia Scott from book one. I definitely recommend this series and applaud the authors for their work.
Very good novel! The characters were very realistic and the families close and loving. I have been reading Hope Holloway novels for some time now and have been reading this series by Hope and Cecelia Scott from book one. I definitely recommend this series and applaud the authors for their work.
August 28, 2025
Destin Diaries
Living in the vibrant coastal community of Destin, I found myself captivated by this remarkable series. The narrative weaves such an intimate tapestry that I feel deeply connected to the characters, as if they are my own family. The storytelling by Hope Holloway and Cecelia Scott creates an immersive experience that resonates with local readers and beyond.
Living in the vibrant coastal community of Destin, I found myself captivated by this remarkable series. The narrative weaves such an intimate tapestry that I feel deeply connected to the characters, as if they are my own family. The storytelling by Hope Holloway and Cecelia Scott creates an immersive experience that resonates with local readers and beyond.
August 14, 2025
The Destin Diaries is one of the best series! It’s a wonderful story with a brilliant portrayal of relationships; secrets, surprises, challenging love, and a road trip to end all. Cannot wait for the next one—-keep writing ladies! Thank you for the ARC copy.
August 16, 2025
secrets
Oh the secrets we keep. Makes for a very interesting story for sure. The two families in this book have certainly gone through a lot in the past and continue to in the future. Each situation unfolds in a very interesting and intriguing way. Loved it!
Oh the secrets we keep. Makes for a very interesting story for sure. The two families in this book have certainly gone through a lot in the past and continue to in the future. Each situation unfolds in a very interesting and intriguing way. Loved it!
August 24, 2025
One of the best series I've read in a long time.
I'm loving this series it great heart felt and surprising twist and turns . The families are amazing loving people whom care about there family's. Can't wait for the next book to come out.
I'm loving this series it great heart felt and surprising twist and turns . The families are amazing loving people whom care about there family's. Can't wait for the next book to come out.
August 25, 2025
Geez! Book 5 doesn’t come out until March!
I love this series and cannot wait for the next one. The true real life stories of all these people whose lives are intertwined are fascinating and heartbreaking along with heartwarming.
I love this series and cannot wait for the next one. The true real life stories of all these people whose lives are intertwined are fascinating and heartbreaking along with heartwarming.
August 26, 2025
Great Storyline, Full of Excitement and Love
I enjoyed this book and series. The multigenerational characters are are so well developed that you want to be a part of the family. I can’t wait for the next book!
I enjoyed this book and series. The multigenerational characters are are so well developed that you want to be a part of the family. I can’t wait for the next book!
September 1, 2025
I enjoyed reading book 4 in this series about 2 families who were drawn together when the families shared a cottage for 7 summers. But suddenly this all stops. This book brings them back together and we find out what happened. Future books about these families will be enjoyed. Can’t wait.
September 4, 2025
secrets revealed. Love found. Prayers answered
Another great book by this duo. I look forward to the next chapter. All the characters are amazing and their stories just make me smile and at times cry. Hugs to the authors.
Another great book by this duo. I look forward to the next chapter. All the characters are amazing and their stories just make me smile and at times cry. Hugs to the authors.
September 6, 2025
I love this series- stories of families, friendships, love, faith, tragedies & joys.
The Destine vacation home brings them all together for a wonderful summer break, times of growth & learning, trials successes.
The Destine vacation home brings them all together for a wonderful summer break, times of growth & learning, trials successes.
October 17, 2025
Full of tense powerful love
I loved this continua tion of the Lawson
/Taylor beach saga. My sister and daughter would love this series. The two grandmas road trip was priceless fly funny.
I loved this continua tion of the Lawson
/Taylor beach saga. My sister and daughter would love this series. The two grandmas road trip was priceless fly funny.
November 5, 2025
DON’T MISS THIS SERIES!
I have enjoyed all of the books in this series but this book was the best one so far. The grandmother’s adventure had me laughing out loud and being 69 years old motivates me to get out there!
I have enjoyed all of the books in this series but this book was the best one so far. The grandmother’s adventure had me laughing out loud and being 69 years old motivates me to get out there!
November 23, 2025
Jay813
The 4th in the Destin series we are introduced to some new characters from the Lawson/Wyle past and a thrilling adventure for the matriarch of each family. Unfortunately the next in the series doesn't come out until March 2026,a real bummer. Can't wait.
The 4th in the Destin series we are introduced to some new characters from the Lawson/Wyle past and a thrilling adventure for the matriarch of each family. Unfortunately the next in the series doesn't come out until March 2026,a real bummer. Can't wait.
August 6, 2025
Another great addition to the Wylie and Lawson families in Destin, FL and how they face many obstacles. Love, love, love this series!
August 17, 2025
Another great book!
I just love this crazy family. I laughed so many times while reading this book. Such fun characters and a heart warming story. Can’t wait for Book 5!
I just love this crazy family. I laughed so many times while reading this book. Such fun characters and a heart warming story. Can’t wait for Book 5!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews