Carley FortuneContemporary Romance · Romance
Every Summer After
Synopsis
Persephone Fraser hasn't been back to Barry's Bay in over a decade. Now a Toronto magazine editor, Percy is pulled home to the small Ontario lake town by a phone call she never expected, and back into the orbit of Sam Florek, the boy who once knew her better than anyone.
Over six teenage summers spent swimming in Kamaniskeg Lake and working in the Florek family's tavern, Percy and Sam grew from inseparable friends into something deeper, until a single choice tore them apart.
Told across those six past summers and one present-day weekend, the novel traces how first love forms us and how the decisions we make at seventeen can echo for years. It is a nostalgic, emotionally charged story about the people and places that mark us permanently.
How it reads
Prose complexity 1/10
- This book completely pulled me into Percy and Sam’s story from the very first pages. The writing was beautiful and easy to get lost in, and I loved the way the story moved between past and present, slowly revealing what happened between them. The summer lake setting was everything I want in a summer read. It felt nostalgic, emotional, and full of moments that made me smile while also breaking my heart a little 🤍 I got so attached to the characters and their relationship that I couldn’t stop turning the pages. Their history felt real, messy, and emotional, which made me even more invested in seeing how everything would unfold. Unfortunately, there was one trope revealed near the end that I really don’t enjoy reading. Thankfully, it didn’t appear until late in the story, so I was able to fully enjoy most of the book before that. I also felt like the central conflict could have been handled in so many different ways, which left me a little frustrated with the ending. Even with that disappointment, I still loved the journey, the atmosphere, and the characters enough that I’ll definitely continue with the companion novels. Overall, if you’re looking for a nostalgic summer romance filled with friendship, first love, and second chances, this is a great one to add to your beach bag ☀️🌊✨
- <div>This book is a heartfelt friends-to-lovers story about Percy and Sam, whose childhood summers together turn into something more—until mistakes and distance tear them apart. A decade later, they reunite, forcing them to confront their past and unresolved feelings.<br><br>The author's writing style was immaculate.It made it easy for me to lose track of time while I was reading this.I especially loved how she portrayed young Percy’s character. While her adult self felt a bit immature, Sam's character remained consistently charming---making up for Percy's shortcomings.The book also explores themes of grief and loss, adding emotional depth without being too heavy.<br><br>So,would I recommend it?<br><br>Absolutely!This is perfect for fans of second-chance romance and nostalgic summer love stories.<br>It’s a light, bingeable read with only mild spice & if you happen to enjoy Taylor Swift’s bittersweet love songs, this book will give you similar vibes!<br><br>This is what I would describe as a beautifully written, emotional read.— & I’ll definitely be picking up more books from Carley Fortune!</div>
- So i guess i’m the only one who didn’t like this book? I mean i was excited at first specially after all the hype and all, but then… To sum things up, this is “love and other words” meet “the summer i turned pretty” (with CHEATING added to the mix) Myfavorite thing about this book is Sam _ My least liked (HATED* actually) is the cheating part, with THE BROTHER, didn’t see that one coming honestly. Ugghhh
- Isn't this the most heartwarming book I've ever read this year? I really believe so.. 🥰
- So much better than Meet Me at the Lake


