Every Summer After

Every Summer After gave me everything I wanted in a summer read. The nostalgic vibes were so real that I felt like I was living the story myself. The nonlinear timeline was perfectly done, capturing both the innocence and the complexity of youth & friendships. It explores the struggle of navigating relationships in your teenage years as well as in your 30s & how some bonds take hard work and are worth it especially when they are the one for you. I loved both characters in this relationship and I could relate to both of them, deepening my reading experience. The yearning in this story was raw and real, pulling at my heartstrings. There’s definitely some steamy moments yet it’s balanced with a fun, wholesome energy & summer vibes at the lake. It's lighthearted yet emotionally charged, making it a truly satisfying read.

Told across six summers and one transformative weekend, Every Summer After is a nostalgic second-chance romance set in the small lakeside town of Barry’s Bay. It follows Persephone “Percy” Fraser as she reconnects with Sam Florek—the boy she once loved and lost—after years of silence.This book absolutely captivated me from start to finish. Carley Fortune has this incredible way of writing that made me feel like I was right there in Barry’s Bay—swimming off the dock, flipping through pages on the porch, and holding my breath through the heartbreak. The setting felt like a character in itself, wrapping the whole story in that nostalgic, sun-drenched glow of first love and painful regrets.I couldn’t help but fall in love with Percy, Sam, and Charlie. Sam’s quiet depth and big heart tugged at my emotions in every chapter, while Charlie’s witty, borderline inappropriate banter had me laughing out loud. The sibling dynamics felt so authentic, and the chemistry between Percy and Sam was palpable—tender, complicated, and so real.What really stood out to me was how raw the emotions were. This wasn’t just a romance—it was a story about timing, forgiveness, and growing up. The way it explored grief, guilt, and what it means to find your way back to someone (and yourself) after everything changes… it was so much more than I expected, and it stuck with me.If you’re a fan of emotional, character-driven love stories with heart and depth, this is one you’ll want on your shelf.

I did listen to the audiobook and I did like the narrator. This story does have dual timelines. In the present, Percy just ended her longest relationship and she’s still trying to figure out who she is. She has always felt that “the one” got away. Flashbacks to her younger self - her parents bought a cottage by the lake where 2 boys lived with their widowed mom. Sam and Charlie, spent a lot of time with Percy, and became fast friends. As time went on they realized that they were meant to be, but after Sam away for an educational opportunity, their relationship was put to the test. Now 12 years later, Sam and Charlie’s mother passed away, Percy is coming back to the bay to attend her funeral. Will they be able to mend ways and be together as they were obviously meant to be?

This was just...stellar. As a debut novel this is easily one of the best I've ever read. My heart ached for both Sam and Percy throughout the book and I just knew that the climax would break my heart. This was dripping with emotion and heartache and I loved it all. There are a lot of parallels to Love & Other Words in this book and I've seen a lot of criticism for that, but I think this was written so, so well. It's a perfect summer read.I'm excited that her latest book is Charlie's story because man, our flirty guy deserves a HEA too 💕

4.5⭐️There are some books that you know you'll love from the first few pages. Every Summer After was one of them for me. Even after I turned the last page, this novel left me with so many emotions. I experienced every second of this novel as though I were with Sam, Percy, and Charlie in Barry's Bay. It made me wish that I were there. I had a strong connection to each character, particularly Percy and Sam. I read late into the night, unaware of how much time had passed. I was eager to see how Percy and Sam's story would end; I was rooting for them throughout. However, a small part of me didn't want to turn the last page because I didn't want to say goodbye to these amazing characters.One of my favorite aspects of books is the different timelines. It helps you realize how a single choice might impact your future. Carly's setup of the Every Summer After timelines is fantastic. I felt as though I had known Percy and Sam while growing up. The bond between Sam and Percy was my favorite; I adored how they began as friends and gradually evolved into something more. I thought their bond was real. I was hoping that Sam and Percy would eventually reconcile. When the two of them reunited, it was clear that those feelings from years earlier were still there. This book broke my heart many times, only to put it back together later. I still can’t get the story and the character out of my mind. My only regret is that I didn’t read this book sooner.I love the setting of the book. Barry’s Bay sounded magical. I love anything to do with nature, especially during spring and summer. When I lived in Arizona, we would travel to the Lake on hot days, and I loved everything about it. I could smell and feel the lake as I read Every Summer After. Every Summer After is Carley Fortune's second book that I have read. I read This Summer Will Be Different for my book club last year. However, at least now, Every Summer After is my favorite. I can’t wait to return to Barry’s Bay in One Golden Summer on May 6! I would highly recommend checking this book out.