"The Summer of Keeping Secrets" is a fun, intriguing, and delightful book to read. This is a story with complicated family relationships, romance, secrets, and even a little mystery! I enjoyed getting lost in the story of Marin, a widow, and her two adult children, Slade and Reed, as they spent a few weeks in Colorado cleaning out Marin’s parent’s home. They each showed up for the task trying to hide their own pain and secrets. Over the weeks of working together, they learned to trust one another and let their family into the hard parts of their lives. This isn’t the story of a perfect family, but it is the story of a loving family and their time working and growing together one summer.

One small detail that I especially loved about this book is the fact that two of the characters had chronic illnesses. It wasn’t a major part of their stories; it was just a little fact about them. I don’t believe I have ever read a novel that included a main character with a chronic illness. If I was not chronically ill myself, I probably would have glossed right over that particular fact while reading. But as someone for whom chronic illness affects every aspect of my life, it made me so happy to see a character like myself in a book.

If you are looking for your next contemporary fiction read, Jill Lynn's new book is a good one. This is the perfect book to take along to the beach or to curl up with at home.

The Summer of Keeping Secrets by Jill Lynn is a stand alone novel about the Henderson family. Recently widowed, Marin Henderson, her son, Reed, and her daughter, Slade, travel to Dillon, Colorado to clean out Marin’s parents’ home. Slade, finds a very old newspaper clipping about a death on the rocks below their home. The story follows the complications in each of their lives as they untangle the story.

The Summer of Keeping Secrets by Jill Lynn weaves together the lives of three family members magically to make a very unique story. The author deals with hard hitting issues in the characters’ lives, but the story is not heavy. I was very invested in the characters and finding out what happened with the mystery of the found body. The characters were well developed and it was a pleasure to watch them transform in this redemptive story. The beautiful setting of Dillon, Colorado enhanced the story.

I appreciated the mystery, romance, and beautiful relationships in The Summer of Keeping Secrets. This lovely redemptive story is one that I will remember and reflect on. I highly recommend The Summer of Keeping Secrets by Jill Lynn.

I was a given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a positive review.

One of the hardest yet not talked about enough tasks of losing a loved one is cleaning out their belongings. It is a task that unlocks a whole new level of grief and feels like trespassing on the most intimate details. For Marin and her two children cleaning out her parents home, it unleashes questions that stem from one article decades old. Jill Lynn beautifully illustrates the depth of secrets that lie just below the surface of the people we hold closest to us. The Summer of Keeping Secrets is a moving, honestly written account of a family’s summer confronting both the past and their present. Raw and riveting, this is a captivating summer read tackling really tough issues with grace and compassion.

This is a women's contemporary fiction story with elements of family reconciliation, grief, healing, and a touch of romance. Recently widowed Marin Henderson returns to her late parents' home in Colorado with her children, Slade and Reed, to clean it out. Each family member harbors secrets: Marin about her own past, Slade about a recent job-related sexual harassment case, and Reed about marital troubles. As they sort through the house, Slade discovers a 1990 newspaper article about a death on the property, prompting questions and uncovering more secrets. The story evolves from one of hidden truths to open sharing, culminating in the family coming together to address their issues. Marin reconnects with Garrett, an old high-school flame, adding a romantic subplot. The mystery of the 1990 death ties into their family history, enhancing the narrative's depth and resolution.

This was such a good read! I really enjoyed the different veiw points of Marin, Slade and Reed. The story kept me invested throughout and wondering at how each characters secrets would affect the outcome of the story. The ending was really good, I liked how Jill left each character’s story, so the end was definitely satisfying for me. I hope we see more books from Jill like this!

I received a copy of this book from the author and was not required to post a positve review. All thoughts are my own.

This was a very interesting story of family dynamics, romance and our own perceptions of others. As the title states, there are secrets being kept for various reasons. As I got to know Marin, a widow tasked with clearing out her parents house after her father’s passing, and her adult children, Reed and Slade, I realized there was a lot left unsaid. This was a very sweet story. Thank you to Harlequin Romance and NetGalley for a chance to read this book early in exchange for an honest review.

The Summer of Keeping Secrets by Jill Lynn - 4 Stars

This was my first book by Jill Lynn and I truly enjoyed my time with it. Releasing on June 25th, The Summer of Keeping Secrets is a clean, women's contemporary fiction story with little bits of romance included. In this story, we have family reconciliation, grief, healing and a great summer read. You will continue to turn the pages needing to know about the character's secrets and back stories.

Marin Henderson is recently widowed and goes home to her late parents' Colorado home. What she doesn't expect is secrets being kept among her daughter Slade and son Reed. She can tell immediately things are not going to plan with their early arrivals to help clean out their grandparents home with Marin. She tries to keep more to herself and not push her children, because she too, is keeping secrets.... The story begins with the 3 of them trying to work to clean out the house but Slade finds a newspaper article from 1990 about a death that occurred on her grandparent's property and questions arise....

We see Marin dealing with the grief of losing her parents and spouse over the last several years, trying to clean the home out and keep her secrets to herself. She runs into Garrett, her old friend and high-school flame, and he starts to help her clean the home out too. Her daughter Slade is having issues with her job as a sexual harassment case had led her to quit and arrive early. Her son Reed is having marital trouble with his wife. Both Slade and Reed keep these things to themselves but as the story progresses, it certainly goes from the summer of keeping secrets...to the summer of sharing secrets.

I loved the family element in this story. We see just how Marin deals with the grief she is going through and the worries she has for her adult children. As secrets unfold, I loved how the family came together to work through their issues and communicate so well about them. I really connected with each character and overall enjoyed the ride to uncovering the secrets each person had and their resolutions they planned to take on each one. It was nice to see Marin and Slade also having their own little romances throughout the story too, and seeing Reed and his wife working through their issues. The mystery of the death from 1990 was something unexpected and added to the story a great deal. Really enjoyed how that came full circle to their stories from the past too and seeing Marin open up with her children about the past.

I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys contemporary women's fiction and family stories. Thank you to NetGalley and the author for a complementary copy to honestly read and review.

Content: Clean romance, death of parents and spouse, grief, parental affair mentioned, sexual harassment in the workplace, marital troubles and a few mentions of yoga but this is not a Christian novel so it's appropriate for the story.

The Summer of Keeping Secrets is a sweet and riveting story that deals with several hard topics in a considerate way. I love this author’s voice as she wove several threads together seamlessly. You won't want to miss this captivating page turner that sinks in and stays with you long after you’ve closed the book.

An interesting story of family relationships. A mystery, a little romance, and lots of secrets are revealed. The tale kept me engaged and caring about the characters. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley.

As an adult did you look back on your growing up years and wonder if you met the expectations you believe your parents set for you? Do you look at your sibling(s) and wonder what they think? Do you talk about it? In Summer of Keeping Secrets meet Marin Henderson and her grown children Slade and Reed. The meet to clean out their grandparents home now that they hare both gone as well as remembering their father who died two years prior. Grief, love and secrets tangle hem all. Each have their perspectives of their experiences, past and present. Each will speak to the reader sharing their stories they fear might disappoint their loved ones. The characters are delightful as you get to know the family and new/old characters in their lives. I look forward to reading more books by Jill Lynn. do read The Summer of Keeping Secrets, you won’t be disappointed. Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin for this ARC.

Jill Lynn is a masterful storyteller, and I was looking forward to seeing how she was going to tackle her first full length feature novel for Love Inspired Trade. The Summer of Keeping Secrets was a heart wrenching, yet beautiful contemporary story about the importance of family amidst struggles and tragedy, and the depths we'll go to keep them protected from the secrets that have the power to turn worlds upside down.

Marin has returned to her small hometown to close up and sell her deceased parents home. Joined by her adult children, Reese and Slade, all three know that this project will not be for the faint at heart. Only the project turns into something much more when each is harboring a secret that has the potential to harm the life they've all grown to know and love. As reveals are made, lives are changed in ways none of them could have seen coming, and they'll have to realize that what happened in the past can't always stay in the past if it continues to affect the present.

With bold storytelling, a masterfully crafted plot, and characters that felt both real and authentic, The Summer of Keeping Secrets was a novel that I had a hard time putting down, and I found myself completely wrapped up in the stories of Marin, Slade and Reese. The setting matched the plot perfectly, and I loved how the author was able to craft a type of suspense story interwoven with a women's fiction title about loss, grief, and the depths we'll go to protect our families.

Jill Lynn has written a beautiful story that I would highly recommend to anyone who is a fan of clean contemporary stories with a bit of mystery woven in. I highly enjoyed this one, and I can't wait to see what the author has in store for her readers' next.

Final Rating: 5/5.

Thanks so much to Jill Lynn for allowing me to read and review this title!

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the author (Jill Lynn) via NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and this is my honest review.

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.