A Heartwarming Journey Through the Seasons: Review of Every Summer After by Carley Fortune
When I first stumbled upon Every Summer After, I was drawn in by its promise of nostalgia and romance—two themes that resonate deeply with many of us. Carley Fortune’s debut novel came highly recommended, being celebrated as a bestseller and drawing accolades from some of my favorite authors like Emily Henry. So, with a warm cup of tea in hand and summer on the horizon, I dove in, eager to revisit those bittersweet days of youth and lost love.
The story follows Persephone "Percy" Fraser, who is haunted by a choice she made a decade ago, severing her connections to her childhood summers spent at Barry’s Bay. Fortune masterfully weaves a narrative that spans six summers and one poignant weekend. The characters are brilliantly developed, with Percy and Sam Florek’s friendship evolving into a relationship filled with profound love and pain. What struck a chord with me was how relatable Percy is—her struggles, mistakes, and the hurt of holding onto the past felt so real, resonating with the experiences of love and loss we all have faced at one point or another.
Fortune’s writing style is both lyrical and vivid, painting the picturesque lakeside setting that feels almost tangible. I found myself longing for those warm summer days, filled with laughter and youthful dreams. The pacing takes a moment to build, but just as the sweet anticipation of summer peaks, you find yourself engrossed in Percy’s journey back to her roots, igniting old flames and unresolved feelings. It’s a testament to how intricate relationships can be—often teetering between love and heartbreak.
One of my favorite aspects of Every Summer After is its dual timeline. It allows us to witness Percy and Sam’s bond grow from innocent friendship to a tumultuous romance, crafted with moments of joy juxtaposed against moments of heartache. As Percy reflects on her past, readers also learn how relationships shape us—for better or worse. A line that lingered with me was when Sam, navigating his own struggles, reminds Percy, “Sometimes the hardest decisions can lead to the most beautiful outcomes.” It encapsulates the essence of the book beautifully—love and life are messy but often worth the chaos.
The story will appeal to fans of second-chance romances and those who love a good coming-of-age tale. If you enjoyed authors like Tessa Bailey or the emotional landscapes of Colleen Hoover, I highly recommend picking up Every Summer After. It’s a book that encourages you to reflect on your youth, the choices you’ve made, and the love that remains, even if it’s bittersweet.
In closing, this novel didn’t just whisk me away to a summer retreat; it stirred up memories and emotions long buried. Carley Fortune offers readers not just a story but an experience, one that stays with you long after the last page is turned. Here’s to love, loss, and the unforgettable summers that shape our lives. If you’re looking for a heartfelt escape into a world of summer romances, Every Summer After is an enchanting pick that might just leave you longing for more.