Mariana is upset and unsettled being away from her American friends back home and misses out on her best friend’s sweet sixteen party. Mariana wanted to get a summer job as a camp counselor at the local elementary school, but instead finds herself working in her uncle's hotel in Puerto Rico. With only Spanish-speaking television, no long distance on the phone, and no internet access from her relatives’ home, Mariana feels cut off from the world. Mariana soon develops a close friendship with her third cousin, Lilly, who is the only English-speaking person in the household. She helps Lilly's mom plan out Lilly's Quinceanera, and the night of the party Mariana begins to change.

As much as Mariana didn't want to spend the summer in Puerto Rico, it is during this time with family she didn't even know that she had that she finds what's most important — herself.

Amor and Summer Secrets is a charming and entertaining coming-of-age story. The characters are entertaining, and I enjoyed spending time in Puerto Rico with them all. I am looking forward to Diana Rodriguez Wallach's next novel, which picks up where this one leaves off: Amigas and School Scandals, coming in November from Kensington.