THE SECRET SUMMER PROMISE
by Keah Brown
THE BSE (Best Summer Ever) LIST!
Blueberries
Art show in ShoeHorn
Lizzo concert
Thrift shop pop-up
Skinny dipping at the lake house
Amusement Park Day!
Drew Barrymarathon
Paintball day
Oh, and ….
Fall out of love with Hailee.
Andrea Williams has got this. The Best Summer Ever. Two summers ago, she spent all her time in bed, recovering from the latest surgery for her cerebral palsy. She’s waited too long for adventure and thrills to enter her life. Together with her crew of ride-or-die friends, and the best parents anyone could ask for (just don’t tell them that), she’s going to live it up.
There’s just one thing that could ruin it: Her best friend, Hailee, finding out Andrea’s true feelings. So Andrea WILL fall out of love with Hailee – even if it means dating the cute boy George who keeps showing up everywhere with a smile.
Do we want Andrea to succeed? No! Does she? We’re not telling!
In her YA debut of nerdy queer love, Keah Brown gives us the perfect summer read and cast of characters to fall in love with.
Type: Young Adult Novel
Pages: 336
Format: Hardcover
Publication: June 6, 2023
ISBN: 9781646141739
praise
“For fans of messy queer romance, some realistically complicated representation.”
— Kirkus
“Lighthearted romance that’s sure to gratify and meaningful conversations surrounding friendship and first love drive this earnest treat from Brown, which boasts leisurely pacing that mimics the syrupy unraveling of a slow, hot summer.”
— Publishers Weekly
“A whirlwind summer romance with all the messy emotions of first love…. Put this book full of queer joy and self-love on the shelf next to Camryn Garrett and Becky Albertalli.”
— Booklist
“Young teens who want a lighthearted, queer, friends-to-lovers summer romp filled with authentic representation will find plenty to love in this debut.”
— School Library Journal
“The Secret Summer Promise captures the essence of youth, love, and self-discovery with remarkable grace and authenticity. Keah Brown's mastery of storytelling is evident in every page, drawing us into the beautiful, complex, and romantic world she's created. With unforgettable characters and emotions that resonate with readers of all ages, this novel is a testament to the power of love, friendship, and the human spirit. Don't miss the chance to be swept off your feet by this story.”
— Frederick Joseph, New York Times bestselling author
About Keah Brown
Keah Brown is a journalist, screenwriter, and author of The Pretty One and Sam’s Super Seats. She is the creator of #DisabledAndCute. Her other work has appeared in Teen Vogue, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, Marie Claire UK, and The New York Times, among other publications. She has been featured in anthologies including the New York Times-bestselling You Are Your Best Thing edited by Brené Brown and Tarana Burke. To learn more, check out keahbrown.com.