What do you think?
Rate this book
The Destin Diaries #7
The Summer We Sailed Away
Seven summers. Two families. One beach house. And a diary that holds all the secrets.
What began as a brief reunion of two families at the renovated Summer House has become something far more complicated and meaningful than anyone expected. And now they must weather one last storm.
Just as the Lawsons and the Wylies begin to feel anchored again, a hurricane on the horizon threatens their home and happiness. As tensions rise and difficult choices loom, they are forced to test the bonds they’ve spent the summer rebuilding.
Amid shifting tides and long-overdue truths, relationships deepen, forgiveness takes root, and new dreams begin to form. The close families must either sail away from each other or set course for a new destination and take the journey together.
The Destin Diaries -- A 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)
What began as a brief reunion of two families at the renovated Summer House has become something far more complicated and meaningful than anyone expected. And now they must weather one last storm.
Just as the Lawsons and the Wylies begin to feel anchored again, a hurricane on the horizon threatens their home and happiness. As tensions rise and difficult choices loom, they are forced to test the bonds they’ve spent the summer rebuilding.
Amid shifting tides and long-overdue truths, relationships deepen, forgiveness takes root, and new dreams begin to form. The close families must either sail away from each other or set course for a new destination and take the journey together.
The Destin Diaries -- A 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)
- GenresFiction
321 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 17, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
July 17, 2026
This is my favorite series - you have to read it. Why? It’s like visiting with old friends and family with strong women leading the way; with gossip and secrets woven in to spice things up. It’s just really good. Thank you for the ARC copy.
August 1, 2026
The Summer We Sailed Away by bestselling women's fiction authors Hope Holloway and Cecelia Scott is the emotionally resonant and highly anticipated seventh book in the beloved Destin Diaries series. Returning to the pristine white sands and emerald waters of Destin, Florida, this final installment serves as a beautiful culmination of a heartwarming family saga that explores the enduring power of second chances, the complexities of lifelong friendships, and the deeply rooted bonds of family. Blending poignant emotional drama with the comforting warmth of a quintessential beach read, the authors deliver a satisfying conclusion that tests everything the characters have fought so hard to rebuild. The story centers on the intertwined lives of two families, the Lawsons and the Wylies, who have spent an unforgettable summer healing old wounds, and now face one ultimate challenge that will determine their shared future.
To truly understand the emotional weight of this final chapter, one must look at the rich history these two families share. Thirty years prior, the Lawsons and the Wylies spent seven magical, sun-soaked summers vacationing together in a shared beach house. Those formative months were filled with laughter, coming-of-age milestones, and deep connections, until a mysterious and painful falling out abruptly ended their shared traditions and left the families estranged for decades. It was only recently, when the now-adult children—navigating the complexities of their forties and fifties—were unexpectedly brought back together at the newly renovated and expanded Summer House, that the healing process began. Their reunion was sparked by the discovery of long-lost diaries that chronicled those teenage summers, forcing them to confront the painful truths of their past. Over the course of the previous books, characters like Tessa, Vivien, Lacey, Maggie, and Jo Ellen embarked on profound personal transformations, navigating rekindled romances, the mending of shattered sisterhoods, and the messy, beautiful reality of forgiveness.
As The Summer We Sailed Away opens, the summer is drawing to a close, and what initially began as a brief, tentative reunion has blossomed into something far more complicated and meaningful than anyone could have anticipated. The beach house has once again become a sanctuary of love, laughter, and shared memories. The Lawsons and the Wylies have worked tirelessly to mend their fractured relationships, and for the first time in decades, they finally feel anchored. The ghosts of the past have largely been put to rest, and the families are looking toward the future with a renewed sense of hope and unity. However, just as they begin to settle into this hard-won peace, a literal and metaphorical storm appears on the horizon. A massive, destructive hurricane is brewing off the coast, threatening to demolish the beloved Summer House and the fragile happiness they have cultivated within its walls.
The impending hurricane serves as the central catalyst for the novel, acting as a high-stakes crucible that puts every relationship to the ultimate test. As the skies darken and the reality of the threat sets in, tensions inevitably rise and difficult choices loom overhead. The families are forced to test the bonds they have spent the entire summer meticulously rebuilding. The looming natural disaster strips away any lingering pretenses, forcing the characters into a state of raw vulnerability. The physical preparation for the hurricane mirrors their internal struggles, as they frantically try to board up the emotional vulnerabilities they have yet to fully address.
Forced into close quarters as they weather the terrifying storm, the families experience a final reckoning. The intense pressure of the situation acts as a pressure cooker, bringing the last few long-overdue truths to the surface. Conversations that have been avoided out of fear or a desire to maintain the peace can no longer be ignored. Amidst the shifting tides, relationships deepen in profound ways, and forgiveness finally takes root. The authors masterfully use the backdrop of the hurricane to illustrate the characters' internal tempests. It is in the darkest, most frightening hours of the storm that they are able to let go of the residual anger and hurt that they have been carrying for over thirty years, allowing new dreams to begin to form.
As the storm eventually passes and the skies begin to clear, the Lawsons and the Wylies emerge forever changed. The hurricane forces them to realize that a home is not just a physical structure made of wood and nails, but rather the people who inhabit it. They are presented with a final, poignant choice: they must either let the devastation of the storm and the revelations of the past cause them to sail away from each other for good, or they must choose to set a new course together, taking the journey forward as one united family. The Summer We Sailed Away delivers a deeply satisfying and uplifting conclusion to the series, proving that while life’s storms are inevitable, they are infinitely easier to weather when you are surrounded by the people who love you unconditionally.
To truly understand the emotional weight of this final chapter, one must look at the rich history these two families share. Thirty years prior, the Lawsons and the Wylies spent seven magical, sun-soaked summers vacationing together in a shared beach house. Those formative months were filled with laughter, coming-of-age milestones, and deep connections, until a mysterious and painful falling out abruptly ended their shared traditions and left the families estranged for decades. It was only recently, when the now-adult children—navigating the complexities of their forties and fifties—were unexpectedly brought back together at the newly renovated and expanded Summer House, that the healing process began. Their reunion was sparked by the discovery of long-lost diaries that chronicled those teenage summers, forcing them to confront the painful truths of their past. Over the course of the previous books, characters like Tessa, Vivien, Lacey, Maggie, and Jo Ellen embarked on profound personal transformations, navigating rekindled romances, the mending of shattered sisterhoods, and the messy, beautiful reality of forgiveness.
As The Summer We Sailed Away opens, the summer is drawing to a close, and what initially began as a brief, tentative reunion has blossomed into something far more complicated and meaningful than anyone could have anticipated. The beach house has once again become a sanctuary of love, laughter, and shared memories. The Lawsons and the Wylies have worked tirelessly to mend their fractured relationships, and for the first time in decades, they finally feel anchored. The ghosts of the past have largely been put to rest, and the families are looking toward the future with a renewed sense of hope and unity. However, just as they begin to settle into this hard-won peace, a literal and metaphorical storm appears on the horizon. A massive, destructive hurricane is brewing off the coast, threatening to demolish the beloved Summer House and the fragile happiness they have cultivated within its walls.
The impending hurricane serves as the central catalyst for the novel, acting as a high-stakes crucible that puts every relationship to the ultimate test. As the skies darken and the reality of the threat sets in, tensions inevitably rise and difficult choices loom overhead. The families are forced to test the bonds they have spent the entire summer meticulously rebuilding. The looming natural disaster strips away any lingering pretenses, forcing the characters into a state of raw vulnerability. The physical preparation for the hurricane mirrors their internal struggles, as they frantically try to board up the emotional vulnerabilities they have yet to fully address.
Forced into close quarters as they weather the terrifying storm, the families experience a final reckoning. The intense pressure of the situation acts as a pressure cooker, bringing the last few long-overdue truths to the surface. Conversations that have been avoided out of fear or a desire to maintain the peace can no longer be ignored. Amidst the shifting tides, relationships deepen in profound ways, and forgiveness finally takes root. The authors masterfully use the backdrop of the hurricane to illustrate the characters' internal tempests. It is in the darkest, most frightening hours of the storm that they are able to let go of the residual anger and hurt that they have been carrying for over thirty years, allowing new dreams to begin to form.
As the storm eventually passes and the skies begin to clear, the Lawsons and the Wylies emerge forever changed. The hurricane forces them to realize that a home is not just a physical structure made of wood and nails, but rather the people who inhabit it. They are presented with a final, poignant choice: they must either let the devastation of the storm and the revelations of the past cause them to sail away from each other for good, or they must choose to set a new course together, taking the journey forward as one united family. The Summer We Sailed Away delivers a deeply satisfying and uplifting conclusion to the series, proving that while life’s storms are inevitable, they are infinitely easier to weather when you are surrounded by the people who love you unconditionally.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a fabulous series! Great closure with the characters. Could be a stand alone book but wow you would miss out on such a wonderful series of stories about these two families who have truly become one! “The Summer We Sailed Away” is filled with laughter, drama, a little danger, second chances but most of all love. Living in Florida I could really relate to their hurricane prep and evacuation as we are in hurricane season. I loved reading the old diary entries and what a neat little surprise of the start of a new diary at the end. (Maybe there will be more adventures to come?). These two authors are such a great duo and I look forward to more co-author projects in the future. You will definitely want to check out each of theses authors other writings as well. They are incredible. Loved this series!!!❤️
July 19, 2026
I loved this series and did not want it to end; I loved these families. The house provided a lovely backdrop of healing, heartache, finding yourself, and second chances.
The way the characters are written makes one feel like we are visiting family, and not reading a book. The strength of the women, the secrets, the gossip, the growth.
The ending was touching as a new diary is started. Highly recommend this series and any series these two authors write.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
The way the characters are written makes one feel like we are visiting family, and not reading a book. The strength of the women, the secrets, the gossip, the growth.
The ending was touching as a new diary is started. Highly recommend this series and any series these two authors write.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
July 26, 2026
I can't believe we are saying goodbye to Destine and I absolutely loved getting to know the Lawsons and the Wylies, all 4 generations of them! Book 7 has a wrapping up the last few relationships along with tackling not only how to navigate life not always being straight forward as well working together and also having a bit of fun. I struggled a little with Eli's views versus Tessa and how he used her belief in science, however just loved Brick shacking things up with Mags.
I can't wait for more books by these amazing authors!
I can't wait for more books by these amazing authors!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed The Summer We Sailed Away. It was a heartfelt story about healing, second chances, and finding yourself again. The characters were easy to connect with, and the beautiful setting made it an enjoyable escape.
I especially loved the ending with the start of a new diary. It felt like the perfect way to close one chapter while leaving you hopeful for everything still to come. A sweet, satisfying read!
Out of all the Hope and Cecelia “families”, I’m going to miss this one most!
I especially loved the ending with the start of a new diary. It felt like the perfect way to close one chapter while leaving you hopeful for everything still to come. A sweet, satisfying read!
Out of all the Hope and Cecelia “families”, I’m going to miss this one most!
July 21, 2026
I fell in love with this beautiful series!
Book 7, The Summer We Sailed Away was so good. Hope Holloway & Cecelia Scott writes a beautiful story of two families that were in the begging great friends even though there was a mystery that turned into a beautiful ending. Hope & Cecelia, please, please, please do a series of the next generation so we can see their children being married and the next generation of their babies.
Book 7, The Summer We Sailed Away was so good. Hope Holloway & Cecelia Scott writes a beautiful story of two families that were in the begging great friends even though there was a mystery that turned into a beautiful ending. Hope & Cecelia, please, please, please do a series of the next generation so we can see their children being married and the next generation of their babies.
July 25, 2026
Sad for this to end
Enjoyed all of these books in this series. Can't wait for both authors next books. Glad this one ended the way it did. Being a Floridian and living in the Big Bend area for quite a while it was nice to read about old haunts. We just took a trip on 98 from Mobile down to Panama City, through Crawfordville, Bank home to Central Florida 4 weeks ago. Amazing how it's grown so much. Alligator Point is a fun place. Enjoy the read and the details.
Enjoyed all of these books in this series. Can't wait for both authors next books. Glad this one ended the way it did. Being a Floridian and living in the Big Bend area for quite a while it was nice to read about old haunts. We just took a trip on 98 from Mobile down to Panama City, through Crawfordville, Bank home to Central Florida 4 weeks ago. Amazing how it's grown so much. Alligator Point is a fun place. Enjoy the read and the details.
July 20, 2026
What a perfect way to wrap up these beloved characters! I cried no fewer than four times reading this one. Highly recommend the series to anyone who enjoy clean stories about well-developed characters from three generations. These books are quick yet satisfying reads. Holloway and Scott have done it again, that’s for certain.
July 25, 2026
Awesome Family Series
I loved The Destin Diaries Series. Couldn’t wait to get to the next book. What a great inspiration to how different families become friends with each other only to wind up as one family in the end. Hate to see them end and hoping someday there will be a Book 8 ♥️
I loved The Destin Diaries Series. Couldn’t wait to get to the next book. What a great inspiration to how different families become friends with each other only to wind up as one family in the end. Hate to see them end and hoping someday there will be a Book 8 ♥️
July 27, 2026
Best of all books she’s written. Warm, relatable, and extremely well written.
Leaving the reader with so many connections and genuine feelings. Most relatable on so many levels. I was anxious to get to the end while at the same time sad that it would be finished. Looking forward to the next great read.
Leaving the reader with so many connections and genuine feelings. Most relatable on so many levels. I was anxious to get to the end while at the same time sad that it would be finished. Looking forward to the next great read.
July 20, 2026
Hopefully not the end!
This was the tearjerker! But such a good read. And as the title says, not the end!
The characters in this series have stolen my heart & I want more!
Please write the rest of this story!
This was the tearjerker! But such a good read. And as the title says, not the end!
The characters in this series have stolen my heart & I want more!
Please write the rest of this story!
July 25, 2026
The Destin Diaries
A good book keeps you entertained as you read it. A GREAT book breaks your heart when you finish it because the characters become ingrained in your memories.
I truly hope there is a new series incorporating these characters so we can follow along!
A good book keeps you entertained as you read it. A GREAT book breaks your heart when you finish it because the characters become ingrained in your memories.
I truly hope there is a new series incorporating these characters so we can follow along!
July 25, 2026
Absolute best book series!
I am going to miss these characters in my life. Hats off to Hope Holloway and Cecelia Scott on this book series. Please continue with these two beautiful families. If you have not read, The Destin Diaries book series, I highly recommend you do.
I am going to miss these characters in my life. Hats off to Hope Holloway and Cecelia Scott on this book series. Please continue with these two beautiful families. If you have not read, The Destin Diaries book series, I highly recommend you do.
July 25, 2026
Lovely family story with twists, turns and surprises!
Loved the series! Hope has a way with creating memorable and complicated characters. The storyline is never boring and I shed a tear or two.
Loved the series! Hope has a way with creating memorable and complicated characters. The storyline is never boring and I shed a tear or two.
July 25, 2026
last one
I’ve just finished reading the entire series in a little over four weeks. I had a son that lived in Destin and everything they say in these books about it is true. It is the prettiest beach area I have ever been to in the United States.
I Can’t wait for more books.
I’ve just finished reading the entire series in a little over four weeks. I had a son that lived in Destin and everything they say in these books about it is true. It is the prettiest beach area I have ever been to in the United States.
I Can’t wait for more books.
July 28, 2026
Happy Reads
This series has all the feels! Little bit of drama but all in all enjoyable, light reading. I especially liked Jo and Maggie. Can’t say too much about them or I’ll give away the story.
This series has all the feels! Little bit of drama but all in all enjoyable, light reading. I especially liked Jo and Maggie. Can’t say too much about them or I’ll give away the story.
July 28, 2026
a true beach read and beautiful!
I love the family connections, the interesting characters. You know you will get your HEA, which I need when I read these books. I am sad they are done but happy where all the characters ended up!
I love the family connections, the interesting characters. You know you will get your HEA, which I need when I read these books. I am sad they are done but happy where all the characters ended up!
July 19, 2026
Good end to the story
The final book in the series did not disappoint. This has been a year of reading, waiting, reading for me. Worth it.
The final book in the series did not disappoint. This has been a year of reading, waiting, reading for me. Worth it.
July 19, 2026
awesome series
And they all lived happily ever after….even when you thought they wouldn’t. What a great ending to a great series. I want more!
And they all lived happily ever after….even when you thought they wouldn’t. What a great ending to a great series. I want more!
July 19, 2026
Fabulous read
This last book in the series was so great. It had a lot of twists and unexpected turns. It ended exactly like it was supposed to!
I loved it.
This last book in the series was so great. It had a lot of twists and unexpected turns. It ended exactly like it was supposed to!
I loved it.
July 20, 2026
What a great series! I love these families! And especially Maggie and Jo Ellen….. that’s some funny stuff. What a friendship!!!
Review of advance copy
What a great ending to a series. Feel in love with all the characters. Love how the epilogue was all tied up in the last diary entree.
July 21, 2026
This series is one of my favorites. I'm sorry to see it end. Love the Lawsons and the Wylies. Maggie and Jo Ellen are my favorites. Definitely worth reading!!!!!
July 21, 2026
Absolutely loved this series and sad it is over!
July 23, 2026
Great Beach Series
I loved this series and enjoyed each book! The endings were wonderful but the path to them difficult but so worth it!
I loved this series and enjoyed each book! The endings were wonderful but the path to them difficult but so worth it!
July 24, 2026
Drama, Love and Real life!
A beautiful story of two families intertwined with relationships and love!Full of drama, this series has been awesome. You will love every book!
A beautiful story of two families intertwined with relationships and love!Full of drama, this series has been awesome. You will love every book!
July 27, 2026
love her books!
I’ve read all Hope Holloway series. Love them all. Great characters, beautiful beach settings, compelling stories about women ( and some men) of all ages.
I’ve read all Hope Holloway series. Love them all. Great characters, beautiful beach settings, compelling stories about women ( and some men) of all ages.
July 28, 2026
Destin
This whole series has me wanting to get to Destin and Fort Walton Beach. Softest sand, beautiful sunsets , and my best friend and our families.
This whole series has me wanting to get to Destin and Fort Walton Beach. Softest sand, beautiful sunsets , and my best friend and our families.
July 28, 2026
My favorite series in a long time! This was the best ending! I am sad it’s over because I’ll miss the characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews