3.5 ⭐️

Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin for the ARC.

A mother (recently widowed) returns to her hometown to clean out her parents’ home after her father’s passing with her 2 adult children. Each of them keeping a secret and afraid to tell the family about something in their life. One secret having been kept for decades that involves a mysterious death. Secrets unravel. Relationships are broken and repaired.

I loved the characters and the overall storyline of the book. I loved seeing a family with dysfunctional communication heal/repair their relationships. The book was slow moving at times. Overall an easy and enjoyable read.

The Summer of Keeping Secrets by Jill Lynn is, in my opinion, a must read! I seriously loved this entire story! It contains everything I want in a book - romance, great characters, a mystery, and great writing that pulled me into the story and made the characters feel like old friends.

There are three stories within this one wonderful storyline. I loved each one! I really connected with Marin and Garrett and was pulling for them from the start. Garrett is such a great character- kind, patient, always there to help, and just an all around great guy! Marin can be summed up in one word-loyal. She was so loyal to her family and her friends. We all need someone like her! Slade’s storyline was probably my favorite. Cyrus and Slade are awesome together! I loved their chemistry. I knew I would love Cyrus the second he hit the page with all his charisma! I also really liked Reed and his logical, calm demeanor. I really felt for him and what he was going through. The mystery was intriguing and the pops of humor were perfect!

I have loved each and every one of Jill Lynn’s Love Inspired romances so I was kind of nervous that she was branching out with Love Inspired trade, but I should have never worried because this story is exceptional! I can’t wait for her next one!- please write faster, Jill!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I also purchased a copy. All opinions are my own. 5 stars!

The Summer of Keeping Secrets follows Marin Henderson and her children, Slide and Reed, as they confront their family's hidden truths while cleaning out Marin's childhood home after her parents' death. Each harbors secrets, afraid to upset the delicate balance they've maintained. Marin's attempts to conceal her past are challenged when her daughter uncovers a revealing newspaper article, sparking a journey of self-discovery for all.

Though slow to start, the story quickly became engrossing. Unraveling the dynamics between Marin, Slide, and Reed, and exploring their individual stories was captivating. The book skillfully addresses themes of grief, family dynamics, and support systems. Getting to know the characters and their interactions, both as a family and individually, was enjoyable. Additionally, the narrative's willingness to delve into the complexities of human experience added depth to the story, making it a compelling read.

Thank you NetGalley and Love Inspired Trade for this gem!

This was so good! I was all in from the beginning until the end.
Yes. I lost some sleep but it was a good kind! In fact, I'm still thinking about these awesome characters.
While I don't have a favorite character ( I loved them all)!
This book was full of secrets and family dynamics that kept me turning the pages! I just couldn't put Slade and her family’s secrets down!
I love this new to me author's stories!
This is the best women's fiction debut novel that I've read in a while
5 stars for an amazing story that I thoroughly enjoyed! I highly recommend and I want to say that the cover is very attractive. It was what drew me to the book and curiosity made me want to read it!
My thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I could not put this book down! It’s aptly titled, as everyone’s got a secret when they show up in Dillon, CO. I loved the characters, the setting, and for sure the way the plot kept propelling me forward, even to the very last reveal. I’ve been a fan of Jill Lynn’s books for years and am so happy to see her debut women’s fiction has the same high caliber of writing I’ve loved all along.

<will share review on Amazon, etc. after release date>

Meet Marin Slade Henderson, a widow who has traveled to Colorado to clean out her deceased parents’ home - her childhood home - and get it ready to sell. Helping her are her two grown children. I liken Reed to a spreadsheet (which is something oft mentioned that he loves). Slade is like an abstract painting…colorful and free. But the two opposites couldn’t love each other more.
All three arrive holding secrets and burdens, whether long-held or new, and it creates for a bit of egg-shell-walking, mystery solving, and learning to be open and honest with one another.
I so enjoyed this family reexamining their assumptions of one another and the growth they experience through their time together. They remind me of Ecclesiastes 4:12 - “…A cord of three strands is not easily broken.”
Dive into The Summer of Keeping Secrets, by author Jill Lynn. Your time will be well-spent!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but my opinion is entirely my own.

When Marin and her children return to her childhood home in preparation for selling it, they discover secrets that have been long buried, and also how to navigate their lives as a widowed parent with adult children. Each child is in their own state of flux, which adds to the drama of the story. This was a well crafted novel with a solid storyline.

The Summer of Keeping Secrets is aptly titled as secrecy abounds in Jill Lynn's first venture into women's fiction. The story centers around widowed mother Marin returning to her childhood home to clean it out and prepare it for sale after the death of her parents. Along with the help of her free-spirited daughter Slade and highly exacting son Reed the arduous task begins.

All three are holding secrets to protect themselves and others but as the house itself reveals its own secrets all the others come crashing down. What a journey this story holds into the past, the present and future too.

I love the addition of grandma's journals and all their revelations bringing the story to a satisfying conclusion. Slade was my favorite character and I'd love to read a future story about her and Cyrus. I appreciate Love Inspired Trade making a copy of The Summer of Keeping Secrets available for review. All thoughts and opinions are my very own.

“The Summer of Keeping Secrets” by Jill Lynn is her first full-length novel for Love Inspired Trade.

Family is messy and keeping secrets to protect those you love from hurt can, potentially, lead to more hurt when truth is revealed.
Marin, Slade, and Reed have to decide if they want to tell their secrets and risk losing each other or admit what they’ve been hiding and realize how understanding love can be.

From the very first page I felt like I knew these characters and immediately wanted them to find happiness.

Jill Lynn has written a story that will touch your heart in more ways than you can imagine.
I really, really hope she writes more stories for Love Inspired Trade.

Romantic and easy-to-like book. The author does an excellent job of developing the story, and I liked the characters. It doesn't seem like the best book I've ever read, but it works for an in-between palate clean! Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.