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Pact #0.5
Secrets of the Summer
SECRETS OF THE SUMMER is a series starting novella within the Pact Series.
Five friends.
Five days left.
When the Camp Wildwood crew gathers at the campfire every night, there’s one thing we won’t discuss: reality.
Talking about life outside the camp bubble is strictly forbidden. We want to have the best summer experience without the burden of our real lives hanging over us.
We came to camp to be free. Free of judgement, of stereotypes, of societal labels.
Which means we all walk around holding in secrets like ticking time bombs.
With only five days left, reality threatens to come crashing down, hard.
Who will crack first?
If you like emotional, angsty, and relatable young adult novels, Secrets of the Summer and the Pact Series is a must read!
124 pages, Paperback
Published January 12, 2021
10 people are currently reading
64 people want to read
About the author
Danielle Keil
58 books358 followersDanielle Keil grew up and spent the majority of her life in the Chicagoland area. A recent transplant, she is enjoying the Mississippi life, especially the pool in her backyard.
Danielle is happily married for over 10 years, and has two young children, a daughter and a son, who are exact replicas of her and her husband.
Danielle's love language is gifts, her Ennegram is a 9w1, and she loves everything purple.
The way to her heart is through coffee, chocolate and tacos (extra guac).
Danielle is happily married for over 10 years, and has two young children, a daughter and a son, who are exact replicas of her and her husband.
Danielle's love language is gifts, her Ennegram is a 9w1, and she loves everything purple.
The way to her heart is through coffee, chocolate and tacos (extra guac).
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
February 13, 2021
Free of judgement, of stereotypes, of societal labels this is a great summer camp book . I highly recommend reading it. It had a a great book and I enjoyed reading this book.
January 13, 2021
I'll be on pins and needles until book one in which I'm sure I'll pour through, then wait impatiently until book two. So begins the cycle . . .
This novella is about four girls and one guy, all different yet they come together as close friends in the one place they all call home for the summer, Camp Wildwood.
At camp, they can be who they are without the pressures of their actual lives at play, but the troubles they have in the real world are still there. They just choose to ignore them.
This was such a great introduction to the characters for the upcoming series. We get enough to really want to know what troubles lie ahead as they enter back into the reality of their real lives.
The important lesson is . . .
we can choose to ignore what brings us down, but eventually, it will catch us. Do we have the strength and assistance we may need to pull through?
Now, I have to figure out what to read until Lizzie's story comes out.
This novella is about four girls and one guy, all different yet they come together as close friends in the one place they all call home for the summer, Camp Wildwood.
At camp, they can be who they are without the pressures of their actual lives at play, but the troubles they have in the real world are still there. They just choose to ignore them.
This was such a great introduction to the characters for the upcoming series. We get enough to really want to know what troubles lie ahead as they enter back into the reality of their real lives.
The important lesson is . . .
we can choose to ignore what brings us down, but eventually, it will catch us. Do we have the strength and assistance we may need to pull through?
Now, I have to figure out what to read until Lizzie's story comes out.
May 15, 2021
Five friends that all come from different walks of life but come together at camp every summer. One rule they have made is that they don’t talk about life at home, and they always come to campfire at the end of the evening before bed. Camp brought them together and they look out for each other, but keeping how they handle things back home a secret is harder then some of them thought will their friendships stay true as camp is almost over or will it keep them apart and wishing they never went to camp in the first place. This was such a fun teen story that made you wish you went to summer camp when you were younger or made you remember the times you went if you did.
January 2, 2021
Such an amazing read, I couldn’t put it down and read it all in one day. This is a story about a special & unique friendship between five summer campers at Camp Wildwood. The only rule amongst these five is you can talk about anything except your life outside of camp. This is their last year as campers and emotions are high. This story has great characters, a wonderful plot and if you want to know what happens next, you better read it. You won’t be disappointed. I can’t wait to read all the books in The Pact series. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
March 6, 2021
I waited almost two full months just for this novella, and it did not fail to disappoint. All of the characters really resonated with me, especially Lizzie and Jennie. I'm starting to see a part of myself inside of each of them. I really enjoyed reading the first novella/book in this series, and I can't wait to see what's next for Lizzie in "Far from the Surface!" :)
January 13, 2021
Y'all aren't ready!! This book is amazing and so different from what Danielle has written before! I love the concept of this book/Seriesm It is about summer camp and five friends that all have thier own secrets. The only rule they have is not talk about thier lives outside of camp. I love how this teens have real life issues. This is just the beginning and can not wait for the rest!
February 15, 2021
There's nothing not to love about this series starter novella. This short trip into the Camp Wildwood world gives you a peek into each of the characters that will be telling their story throughout the series. If you like YA, some drama, and some real life issues, you'll want to start this now!
January 29, 2022
A great set up for the series. In less than 100 pages, Danielle manages to suck you in and make you fully invested in these characters. Can't wait to get the rest of the series read!
January 5, 2021
I am so excited for this series!! This novella was such a good read and a great set up for the series to come. The character development is amazing and I can already find myself relating to certain qualities and quirks in these characters. The novella introduces us to 5 friends, who formed a bond spending summers together at Camp Wildwood. They have an agreement not to discuss their outside lives but its pretty clear they all have their issues and demons. I am really looking forward to getting more in depth with each of their stories. This was a fast, fun read and I highly recommend it! I really love this authors writing style and I can't wait for the next!!
March 1, 2021
Great set up and insight into what's to come! Very excited to continue the series!! 🧡
I really enjoyed all the different characters, personality's and dynamics. There was this sad overtone through out the entire book that made you excited to see just what this characters were going through at home.
I really enjoyed all the different characters, personality's and dynamics. There was this sad overtone through out the entire book that made you excited to see just what this characters were going through at home.
January 28, 2021
Amazing Read
This was such a great novel for me. I wish it had been written when I was in hs because it resonated with us me so well. Super well written and I absolutely love that we get to see the insight to each character. I can't wait to read all of their stories!
This was such a great novel for me. I wish it had been written when I was in hs because it resonated with us me so well. Super well written and I absolutely love that we get to see the insight to each character. I can't wait to read all of their stories!
September 15, 2021
Five friends, five days at Camp Wildwood left. Talking about their life outside of camp is strictly forbidden. Each night they come together at their camp fire and just enjoy each other’s company. Nice prequel novella for the pact series. I enjoyed getting a glimpse into each friends life outside camp.
January 24, 2021
Talk about a book to book you in...
So I picked this up due to the authors tiktok post, someone returned this book and jokes on them tbh! This is an epic series starter and not was expecting in fact I was in for a shock!
I didn't have the first clue on the genre, plot or even pay much attention to the cover but I dove in and was gripped, held captive by the story unfolding of these friends. I have favourite character but they are all so relatable the plot is mysterious and omg Omg OMG did I love every second.
So I picked this up due to the authors tiktok post, someone returned this book and jokes on them tbh! This is an epic series starter and not was expecting in fact I was in for a shock!
I didn't have the first clue on the genre, plot or even pay much attention to the cover but I dove in and was gripped, held captive by the story unfolding of these friends. I have favourite character but they are all so relatable the plot is mysterious and omg Omg OMG did I love every second.
January 18, 2021
I think this book is the perfect start for the Pact Series, we get to know a little bit about every member of the group and every chapter is written as the perspective of one of them so it helps us to know them individually and get an idea of how their lives are outside camp.
We get an idea of what we’re getting in the next books and I’m really excited to read all of them cause this novella really left me wanting more of this five friends.
We get an idea of what we’re getting in the next books and I’m really excited to read all of them cause this novella really left me wanting more of this five friends.
January 15, 2021
I received this book in return for my honest opinion. First, I loved this novella! I’m all for quick reads especially during a pandemic when I don’t have enough time to read as much as I would like. It could have been a full novel and I still wouldn’t feel as though I missed out on any information that I needed.
I loved the idea behind they can be who they really are, but they can’t discuss their lives outside of camp. Obviously we can all guess how well that’s going to work with a bunch of teenagers.
I cannot wait for the next book in the series.
I loved the idea behind they can be who they really are, but they can’t discuss their lives outside of camp. Obviously we can all guess how well that’s going to work with a bunch of teenagers.
I cannot wait for the next book in the series.
January 18, 2021
This is an interesting storyline that tells the story of five friends who are at camp. The characters are engaging and the storyline is well written and pulls you in. Looking to read more of this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 31, 2021
I loved the dynamics of all of the characters and am intrigued to read each of their individual novels as they return to life outside the camp. Added to my to be read list and might have jumped the queue too.
May 3, 2021
I found Danielle via Tiktok, I follow her and watch her clips. I decided to take the leap and see what she was about!
Young adult is not a genre I normally read, but what she's done with this story has me intrigued. The introduction to these five leads has me curious and has also had me one-clicking the next book in the series.
Five friends, four female and one male. As seniors it's there last year at camp, not all will return. They don't know anything about each other outside of camp. Thats the rule, they don't want to think about the outside world. The camp is an escape from their normal lives. Who knows what will happen when it's over. Ray the only male in the group is a sort of protector of the girls he worries about them. He knows they all have a lot going on.
Heather is the bookworm, Robin is super smart, Jeanie is the artist and Lizzie is the swimmer. They are all different but they've created their own little world and at Camp Wildwood.
The outside world for each has been hinted at and that's what has sucked me in. I need to know what makes this group tick. I want to know why they are the way they are.
On their last night at camp Ray suggests keeping in touch, is met with mixed feelings. In the end they all agree.
I've just one-clicked the next book. I need answers.
It's a yes from me.
Young adult is not a genre I normally read, but what she's done with this story has me intrigued. The introduction to these five leads has me curious and has also had me one-clicking the next book in the series.
Five friends, four female and one male. As seniors it's there last year at camp, not all will return. They don't know anything about each other outside of camp. Thats the rule, they don't want to think about the outside world. The camp is an escape from their normal lives. Who knows what will happen when it's over. Ray the only male in the group is a sort of protector of the girls he worries about them. He knows they all have a lot going on.
Heather is the bookworm, Robin is super smart, Jeanie is the artist and Lizzie is the swimmer. They are all different but they've created their own little world and at Camp Wildwood.
The outside world for each has been hinted at and that's what has sucked me in. I need to know what makes this group tick. I want to know why they are the way they are.
On their last night at camp Ray suggests keeping in touch, is met with mixed feelings. In the end they all agree.
I've just one-clicked the next book. I need answers.
It's a yes from me.
December 31, 2022
Keil was a brand new author to me going into this book. I was super excited to find a new YA author whose books I could dive into, and this one didn’t disappoint. I devoured the story and find myself chomping at the bit for the next instalment. Each character was so vivid and well written that I desperately want to know more about all of them.
I’m an absolute sucker for teen angst and this group has it in spades. I’m dying to know all their secrets. The rest of the series can’t come quick enough!!
I’m an absolute sucker for teen angst and this group has it in spades. I’m dying to know all their secrets. The rest of the series can’t come quick enough!!
January 1, 2022
Great summer read
This start to the Pact Series is an enjoyable getaway to summer camp and an intriguing introduction to a complex group of friends, who each have their own unique personalities and stories to tell. It's awesome to see how the characters change from the start of this short tale to the end, learning over the course of a few days how to be more open and honest with themselves and others. Can't wait to see where this series will go next!
This start to the Pact Series is an enjoyable getaway to summer camp and an intriguing introduction to a complex group of friends, who each have their own unique personalities and stories to tell. It's awesome to see how the characters change from the start of this short tale to the end, learning over the course of a few days how to be more open and honest with themselves and others. Can't wait to see where this series will go next!
April 1, 2021
this is a quick read and im not disappointed i cant wait for next book. You have the Athlete, the Scientist, the Reader/quiet one ,the Artist and the Protecter. The all diferent yet together they fit like puzzle pieces. They all meet at Camp Wildwood and this last year and there emotions are allover the place.
April 4, 2021
This book is an introduction to the 5 camp counsellors at Camp Wildwood, Ray, Lizzie, Jennie, Heather and Robyn. We learn about they're lives and they're friendship to each other. I love teen drama, It makes me laugh, so glad I'm not a teen anymore. They each have secrets and we all love a good secret, hopefully the books in this series will tell us those secrets. I think Danielle Keil did a great job with this book, i hope the rest are this good.
April 15, 2025
Amazing novella, ended up binging it in almost one sitting.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews