A Journey Through Nostalgia: My Thoughts on Every Summer After by Carley Fortune
Sometimes a book comes along that wraps you in a warm embrace, prompting you to recall your own childhood summers. Every Summer After, Carley Fortune’s radiant debut, caught my attention not just for its intriguing premise of love and regret, but because it felt like the perfect read for anyone yearning for both nostalgia and romance.
Set in the picturesque Barry’s Bay, this novel dives deep into the themes of love, loss, and the consequences of choices made in youth. The protagonist, Persephone "Percy" Fraser, returns to her childhood lake cottage after a decade away. I found myself resonating with her struggle between wanting to reconnect with the past and facing the mistakes that drove her away in the first place. The stark contrast between her previous vibrant summers by the lake and her present solitary city life was beautifully illustrated, making Percy’s journey all the more relatable.
The heart of the novel lies in Percy’s relationship with Sam Florek. Their journey from childhood friends to lovers, and the heartbreak that ultimately ensues, is both heartwarming and heart-wrenching. Fortune’s portrayal of their dynamic is masterfully crafted, capturing the bittersweet essence of second chances. As I turned the pages, I couldn’t help but root for them—hoping they would find their way back to each other. This longing was heightened by the dual timeline, which allowed us to witness the evolution of their relationship, the joy of their youthful exuberance sometimes overshadowed by palpable sorrow in the present.
Fortune’s writing style is captivating and immersive, shedding light on the beauty of nature and the complexity of human emotions. I often found myself lost in the lyrical descriptions of Barry’s Bay, which felt so vibrant it was as if I could smell the lake air and hear the rustle of leaves. One passage that struck me was when Percy reflects on how the hardest moments can remain lodged in our hearts but can also serve as a catalyst for growth. It’s this delicate balance of despair and hope that Fortune navigates so well.
As I read, I was reminded of an excerpt from a review that described this novel as “a sweet friends-to-lovers romance with so many feels.” This couldn’t be more accurate; it’s a book that intertwines reflective emotions with a deep sense of place, cultivating a story that’s just as much about self-discovery as it is about love.
If you’re someone who enjoys stories that transport you back in time, filled with complex characters and a touch of heartache, then Every Summer After is a must-read. It’s the kind of book that lingers long after the last page is turned, making you contemplate your choices, the passage of time, and the connections that shape you.
In the end, I’m grateful I discovered Every Summer After. Carley Fortune has a way of capturing the essence of human connection in a way that feels both intimate and universal. I can’t wait to see where her storytelling journey takes us next. If this book is any indication, it promises to be captivating.
You can find Every Summer After here >>