Review of One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune
There’s something magical about summer romances—those fleeting, sun-soaked moments that linger in our hearts long after the season turns. When I picked up One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune, I was drawn in by the promise of not just a love story but an exploration of nostalgia, healing, and the bonds that tie us together. Fortune, renowned for her knack for emotive storytelling, certainly didn’t disappoint.
At the heart of the narrative is Alice, a skilled photographer who prefers the sidelines, feeling safest behind her camera lens. Her life, rich with memories of a summer spent at Barry’s Bay, takes a turn when she returns there to care for her grandmother. Her moments by the lake—filled with visions of laughter, love, and the unfamiliar reemergence of Charlie, a flirtatious local who once captured her teenage heart—paint a picturesque backdrop for a story that intertwines past and present.
Alice’s character resonated deeply with me. She embodies the complexities of adult life often masked under professional pursuits, yet longing for connection. As she reconnects with Charlie, we experience their flirty banter, which Fortune crafts beautifully—their slow burn romance heats up against a backdrop of warm days and starry nights. The tender exploration of love’s many dimensions reminded me of those youthful crushes that felt monumental and fleeting all at once.
Fortune’s writing style is both poignant and evocative, effortlessly transporting you to the serene shores of a vibrant summer. The pacing was spot on; I found myself swept up in the narrative from the get-go. The balance of light-hearted moments against deeper themes of healing and self-discovery struck a chord, making me smile one moment and bring a lump to my throat the next. One particularly memorable quote that encapsulates this feeling is Alice’s realization about how “good things happen at the lake,” echoing the sentiment of finding hope in the simplest of places.
Beyond the romantic tension, the novel also delves into familial ties, especially Alice’s sweet relationship with her Nan, adding layers to her character. Fortune weaves these elements into a tapestry where love and friendship collide beautifully, creating an emotionally rich experience.
I wholeheartedly recommend One Golden Summer to anyone seeking a heartwarming escape into a world where the spirit of summer lives on through love, laughter, and a touch of nostalgia. If you adored Every Summer After, you’ll find joy in this companion novel as it unfolds familiar yet enchanting paths. This book is a perfect fit for beach reading or cozy evenings, promising to linger in your heart long after the final page. Personally, I came away not just entertained, but reflective—reminded of the significance of cherished memories that shape our lives.
In closing, grab your favorite blanket, pour a tall glass of lemonade, and allow One Golden Summer to carry you to the lakeside love story that’s so captivating, it’s bound to feel like your own sun-soaked escapade.