One Golden Summer - a delightful summer love story.

Alice Everly, a gifted photographer living in Toronto, is approaching her thirty-third birthday but feels unfulfilled. Her live-in boyfriend ended their relationship, and the commercial photography she is doing lacks satisfaction. Following her grandmother Nan's hip surgery, Alice takes her to Barry's Bay, Ontario, to recuperate during the summer. This small lakeside community holds cherished memories for both of them. When Alice meets Charlie Florek, she is immediately attracted to him, although his overly confident demeanor rubs her the wrong way. As Charlie helps Alice complete her summer bucket list, they grow closer, yet their relationship seems destined to be nothing more than a summer fling. It is only through the photos she takes of Charlie that Alice realizes, despite what he says, that there is love in his eyes. 

Carley Fortune's 2022 debut, Meet Me at the Lake, was a wonderful novel also set in Barry's Bay. The first book focused on Sam Florek and Percy Fraser. One Golden Summer tells the story of Sam's brother Charlie, with Sam and his now-pregnant wife, Percy, as supporting characters. All the characters are well done, including Nan, the wise grandmother, who has an endearing relationship with Alice. I particularly enjoyed Charlie, who proved to be more complex than he first seemed. The banter between friends-turned-lovers Charlie and Alice was very entertaining. Expect to see this book in many beach bags this summer.

Rated 4.25 out of 5 stars.

Romance | Contemporary Fiction. 

Publication Date: May 6, 2025.

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