One Golden Summer

One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune was a really enjoyable read, even for someone who doesn’t always gravitate toward contemporary romance. The Ontario cottage setting is vivid and warm, and the story focuses on emotional growth, belonging, and revisiting places that shaped you. Alice’s arc, from outsider to finally feeling like she fits, was especially well done. This book can be read as a standalone, but some characters appear in Every Summer After, and I think reading that first would enhance the experience. That said, I still found this story engaging and satisfying. A great choice for readers looking for a nostalgic, character-driven summer romance.

This is the first book that I have read and listen to by this author. I did not realize that there were a few books previously that I could have read before reading this book that had these characters in them. I'm not sure if it took away from my experience by not having read the previous books however, I find that I really loved this book! When I started the book I wasn't 100% sure what I was going to think, however, as I continued on I was definitely drawn into the story. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters. I was hoping that the main characters would have a happily ever after even though there were a few times that I was worried that would not happen. And I'm not going to say if it did or didn't but the ending was definitely satisfying. I just felt the entire book was very well written, the storyline was engaging and drew the reader in, I definitely had a lot of emotions and feelings that I experienced with the book, and I'm glad that I read and listened to the book. I ended up getting the ebook and audible version. The narrator did a great job and I like how the audible version had the extra information that was in the back of the e-book because sometimes the audible doesn't include that and this time it did. I'm thinking I may go back and check out more of this author's books.

One Golden Summer creates an enchanting escape where love conquers life's toughest challenges. Carly Fortune has crafted another winner with Charlie Florek - a character so compelling he'll set impossibly high standards for future book boyfriends. This novel masterfully balances heartbreak and hope, creating that bittersweet reading experience where even the painful moments feel beautifully crafted. It's the perfect summer read for anyone seeking emotional depth alongside romantic escapism. While it stands alone perfectly, readers familiar with Fortune's "Every Summer After" will appreciate the shared setting and character connections that add extra richness to the story. The lakeside backdrop provides a gorgeous, nostalgic atmosphere throughout both books. Fortune continues to demonstrate her talent for creating immersive romantic fiction that lingers long after the final page. Her writing style draws you in completely, making it impossible to put down. Book arrived in excellent condition. Highly recommend for fans of contemporary romance seeking their next emotional journey.

This was the perfect summer read for me. To look at and long for summers past and even things we wish we had the courage to do. To find that fate really does have a way of working out even when we least expect it. Alice Everly may be known as the shy type with her family but her grace, beauty, and courage are able to shine through when she meets her match. Completing her bucket list she wished she could have down at 17 a while later, closer to 30, is such a fun way to get to know her and get her out of her comfort zone. Throw Charlie Florek into it and the adventure is full of laughs, good memories and some extra emotions. Things may not always be what they seem, but you can't deny when you meet your match.

This was a very cute summer read. I loved the banter between the two main characters, at times I was laughing and at times I was even mad at them both. I related to the relationship Alice had with her grandmother as it felt like my Mimi and I. If you like slow burn then this is very much slow burn with a little spice mixed in. It does have a food twist in the story and the love between Charlie and Alice was adorable. It had me hooked by the fourth chapter and the only reason it was not a five star read for me was because it seemed to be a little drawn out for my liking. Would I recommend it still , yes.

I love that we get to hear how Charlie’s story turned out. Definitely read Every Summer After first. I think that’s still my favorite of hers, but One Golden Summer is a close second. It does the storyline and Barry’s Bay justice. A perfect summer read that transports you to the lake and its nostalgic cottages. It was impressive how nostalgic the story was without us knowing Alice before this. The grandmother’s story woven in and her relationship with Alice and Charlie are just perfect and make the book so much better than just a romance. The romance is great too, with a very drawn out seduction that had me finishing the book in less than a day. You want them to get together so badly but also love that it’s work and that they worry about jeopardizing a meaningful, fast forming friendship for sex. Her self discovery journey is also emphasized throughout and you are really cheering for her to stand up for herself professionally and reclaim her identity. I loved it!

To be quite honest, I’m not sure about how to feel about this novel, which is Fortune’s fourth foray into the literary world and a follow-up to her debut, Every Summer After. Despite Charlie being an exquisite character (physical and personality traits alike) and Alice’s perspective giving depth to their relationship, I felt as though something were missing. I ordinarily would feel tickled by their banter and utterly charmed by Charlie’s suave-like and self-assured attitude. I wasn’t though. I liked the book and believe it’s a good read, but the spark of connection was missing on my end re: wholly immersing myself in their world. Perhaps this was a result of the expectations I held after re-reading Every Summer After mere hours before starting One Golden Summer. Maybe it was because This Summer Will Be Different raised the bar even higher. Let me be even more honest… it was probably the hype that social media and early readers compelled me to feel. Others apparently consider this an absolute tearjerker. However, I didn’t cry at all (I am considered a bawl baby and can make myself cry pretty quickly and easily). Overall, it’s a worthwhile read. One major point in its favor, which caught me off guard— a side character shares the unique name of one of my relatives.

I discovered Carley Fortune last year, when I read This Summer Will Be Different for my book club. I fell in love with Sam and Percy's story when I read Every Summer After last month. I'd heard about One Golden Summer for a while, and after reading Every Summer After, I was even more curious to read Charlie's narrative. I can see why so many people fell in love with Charie and Alice’s story. There was something about the two of them, a connection that they shared, that made you cheer for both. Even their families knew they were in love before they did. I like Sam and Percy's story, but I preferred Charlie and Alice's; I felt more connected to them. The book had no dull moments; I couldn't put it down because I needed to find out what happened next to Alice and Charlie. In Every Summer After, I had conflicting thoughts about Charlie, but I was still interested in his story and wondered if there might have been reasons for his actions. Now, Charlie is one of my favorite characters. I couldn't help but smile at the way he treated Alice; it was obvious right away how much he loved her. All I want is for the two of them to finally acknowledge their feelings for one other and quit being stubborn. In addition, I loved Charlie's connection with Nan and his dedication to her needs. While reading this book, I experienced a wide range of emotions, including laughter, tears, and even a few eye rolls due to Alice and Charlie's banter. There is no way that you will be able to put One Golden Summer down. I adored the book's setting and the opportunity to visit Barry's Bay again. I felt as though I had transformed there because of the descriptions. I wished I had been at the Lake after finishing the book. There were few scenes between Alice and Charlie that had me smiling nonstop. I finished it last night and I still can’t get the story out of my mind, and I even recommended it to few of my friends. It’s the perfect book for the summer, and I can’t wait to see what adventure Carley Fortune will take us on next!