Book Review of 'The Summer of Keeping Secrets' by Jill Lynn

Happy Wednesday Bookworms!

I'm thrilled you're here today! I've been a fan of author Jill Lynn for a while, so when I learned she was venturing beyond her usual clean romance genre to publish a Women's Lit novel, I knew I had to read it. It certainly lived up to my expectations, and I'm eager to share my thoughts with you! Enjoy!

Welcome to the Reviewer Tour for The Summer of Keeping Secrets by Jill Lynn, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Summer of Keeping Secrets
Author: Jill Lynn
Publisher: Love Inspired Trade
Release Date: June 25, 2024
Genre: Women's Literary Fiction

"With humor and heart, Jill Lynn explores the power of family, the complicated nature of love, and the price we pay for things left unsaid. An unforgettable read from a standout voice in romance.” —Kristy Woodson Harvey, New York Times bestselling author of The Summer of Songbirds

For fans of Denise Hunter and Susan Mallery, a captivating story about a single summer that could completely break a family apart—or bring them back together.

Recently widowed Marin Henderson considers time with her two adult children a gift. And she’s intent on not prying into their lives while they’re all together, cleaning out her late parents’ Colorado home. But from the start, nothing goes as planned. Her free-spirited daughter, Slade, and her strait-laced son, Reed, both arrive ahead of schedule, and no one is explaining why. Marin knows they’re hiding issues in their personal lives. But she can only push so far because she, too, is keeping secrets.

Setting aside family tensions, the three of them get to work purging the house. But when Slade discovers a decades-old newspaper clipping about a body found on the rocks below the house, questions arise. Marin insists the death was ruled an accident, but Slade’s curiosity is piqued. And when a roof leak compels Marin to call on an old friend and flame for help, it’s the catalyst for a wave of revelations.

Between a daughter bent on distracting herself from her own career turmoil, a son desperate to hold on to his marriage and a mother forced to confront her choices from that long-ago summer, pieces of the past and present begin to unravel. And before the summer is over, they each must decide what to hold on to and what to let go…

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookbub

My Review

“We live in a world that tells us scars are imperfect. But really, they’re a sign of battle. Something worth fighting for.”

A recently widowed mother, alongside her adult son and daughter, reunite from their separate, troubled lives to empty the Slade family home. They each bring with them personal secrets and are unaware of the truths that will emerge as they sift through years of family memorabilia. On top of this huge undertaking there is a case from the past that is just begging to be solved, which adds another layer of mystery.

This novel is so good!! There was so much about this book that is relatable and touched me on a deeper level. I think we’ve all had secrets that we’ve held onto, for whatever reason, and everyone has had moments of revelation. I love the family dynamics that are at play and how, despite keeping secrets, they all truly love and support one another and want what’s best for everyone. That in itself was truly heartwarming.

The revelation of the mystery's details felt like releasing a long-held breath. While I had anticipated most of the reveals, there were some twists that caught me off guard, which was surprising in the best way. It's not often that I'm caught unaware, and I love it when the unexpected sneaks up on me. Such a nice touch!

I devoured this novel in almost one sitting, finding it hard to put down, and I enjoyed every moment. I know that Jill Lynn is normally a clean romance author, but I think she needs to do more in the women’s lit world. It’s clear that she has an amazing talent and it made me love her all the more.

My Rating: ★★★★★

About the Author

Jill Lynn Buteyn is a co-author of Just Show Up with Kara Tippetts, and the author of inspirational romances (as Jill Lynn). A recipient of the ACFW Genesis award for her fiction work, she has a bachelor’s degree in communications from Bethel University. Jill lives near the beautiful Rocky Mountains with her husband and two children.

Connect with Jill at jill-lynn.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.