I just finished reading Every Summer After by Carley Fortune, and it’s safe to say it exceeded my expectations as a captivating summer read. The title caught my eye because I’m a sucker for stories about love, nostalgia, and complex relationships, especially ones set against the backdrop of picturesque locations like Barry’s Bay. The description promised a tale of young love and second chances, making it hard for me to resist diving in.
The novel chronicles Persephone Fraser’s return to her childhood lakeside home after years away, thrusting her back into the orbit of Sam Florek, a man she has a complicated history with. The way Fortune weaves their past summers together brings a wonderful depth to the narrative. One aspect that truly stood out was the dual timeline format, effectively capturing the bittersweet essence of their relationship and emphasizing how a single moment can change everything. It helped me to feel the weight of their shared history while exploring how love evolves over years.
Many readers have commented on the emotional depth of the characters, and I wholeheartedly agree. The complexity of Percy and Sam’s relationship is rich and relatable, making it easy for me to empathize with them. It was refreshing to experience a love story that doesn’t shy away from the messiness of life—mistakes, heartbreak, and growth. A review from Life is Messy and Brilliant echoed my sentiments, noting how relatable Percy was, especially for those who have experienced young love. Like her, I found myself giggling and even kicking my feet, lost in the joys of their connection.
However, there were a couple of aspects that didn’t resonate as strongly with me, fitting with the sentiments shared by other readers. Some mentioned that the pacing felt slow at the beginning, and while it did take a few chapters to build momentum, I found it worthwhile. Yet, I did wish that the rest of the novel compacted some of its reflections to maintain the spirited pace through its poignant moments. Additionally, as I flipped through pages, I could sense a few missed opportunities in terms of character growth, particularly for Percy. A reviewer observed that while their love felt timeless, Percy often seemed stagnant in her emotional development, which left me longing for deeper revelations about her journey.
Despite these minor drawbacks, Every Summer After still delivers a beautiful narrative that strikes an emotional chord. I loved the setting and how it evoked laughter while also touching on deeper themes of regret and forgiveness. Fortune’s vivid descriptions of the lake, the family restaurant, and the childhood memories created an atmosphere that truly transported me to Barry’s Bay. It’s no surprise that many readers found the book a fantastic summer read, marked as a "must-read beach read."
In summary, I highly recommend Every Summer After for anyone looking for a heartfelt exploration of love, nostalgia, and the choices we make. It captures the magic of summer romance, reminding us of the people who shape our past and what we carry forward. Carley Fortune’s debut lives up to its praise, and I believe it will leave you with a warm sentiment long after you’ve turned the last page. I hope you enjoy your time in Barry’s Bay as much as I did!
Discover the heartwarming journey of love and nostalgia in Every Summer After. >>