I loved this book so much! I immediately connected with the characters! While we never had a cottage home, we lived in a tourist community. I had summer romance that I wanted to be more. It's like the author spoke to every teenage girls heart! Such a great summer read by another talented Canadian author.

💫 Every Summer After 💫
By Carly Fortune
Publisher: Berkley (May 10.2022)
Genre: contemporary romance

I flip the pages, (press the buttons I mean, but pages sound better), on this debut book that felt so much like the coming-of-age story of my life. No, I didn’t meet my husband at the cottage (although I did have a family cottage from my grandparents), we met in High School amidst the nerves, drama and hierarchy of the teenage world. Those early years of becoming best friends (much like Percy & Sam), are splayed throughout these pages. Those emotional young moments so touchingly complete as a reader who remembers their first love.

This book has it all, the contemporary romance with a love that is lost before it can begin. The angst of young love coupled with the emotional pieces of a young adult finding themselves before they are ready to know what they want. It’s the best friends to lovers, the first love to true love. It’s the friendship that cements the longevity of a love that is equal parts passion and home.

I had not quite finished this one (thank you for the gifted arc @berkley) before ordering a copy for my forever shelf. It felt like pieces of my own life happened as I flipped the pages, the details mirroring parts of experiences… and the emotional closure that was so touching that I won’t forget.

I walked some of these paths, the early love, the Queens education, the loss of a dream, the strain and growth in relationships, the hidden truths but more important finding my home where my teenage best friend stood.

5 stars of perfection from me

Major heart eyes for this book! The characters were so loveable and I loved Percy a and Sam together. The fact that it took place in Canada was a major selling point for me. It was so fun to recognize places.

This would be a great summer read. It’s told from then and now perspectives and the characters are so flawed but so well developed. If you like best friends to strangers to lovers and working to figure out what broke people apart and what ultimately brings them back together - this book is for you!

I had some trouble getting into this book, but once I did, I loved it. 5/5 stars.

Where do I even begin with this book?!
I absolutely loved everything about this book. I want to hug it and share it with the whole world.

Percy and Sam’s story is filled with friendship, young love, heartbreak and so much more. The story has time jumps between the present the different summers and it is done so well that it felt seamless.

Carley Fortune does an incredible job of creating relatable and lovable characters that you can’t get out of your head and the way she writes really pulled me in and painted a beautiful picture of summers at the lake.

I wish I could read this book again for the first time.

Every Summer After is full of angst and yearning and characters not easily forgotten.

After a night out in the city, Persephone Fraser receives a call that prompts her to return to Barry’s Bay, where she and her family used to spend every summer. Almost immediately, she runs into Sam Florek, her ex, her first love, the man she is still not over.

Persephone, or Percy, her former nickname, first met Sam at the cottage when they were thirteen years old. For six years, they spent every summer and holiday together; they were inseparable. They spent their days swimming in the lake, running, working, and doing everything together. Over the years, their friendship evolved into something more, and they began looking toward their joined future. That is until something happened, and their relationship entirely fell apart.

This coming-of-age/second-chance romance has dual timelines, which are equally compelling. It is very much a character-driven story.

This book was so close to a five-star read. I don’t read many romance novels, but this one was thoroughly unputdownable. And when I had to set it down, I could not wait to get back to it. The first few chapters that outlined Percy’s present lifestyle didn’t interest me much. But, when she returned to Barry’s Bay, the chemistry between the two was unmatched. Plus, the author perfectly captured hot summer days spent at the lake.

My only criticism would be that the ending wrapped up slightly too perfectly and felt rushed.

Even if romance isn’t your go-to genre, I would still recommend this if you enjoy character-focused stories. At the time of writing this review, I finished reading this book several days ago, and I’m still swooning over Sam and Percy.

Thank you to Viking for providing me with an arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

https://booksandwheels.com

I'd like to start this off by Thanking NetGalley, Berkley Publishing, as well as the author Carley Fortune for the ARC in exchange of my honest review for this book.

I wish I could give a book more than 5 stars because that's EXACTLY what I would do!! Based in a small town, summer vacation, second chance romance (HECK YES) but also a friends-to lovers-to enemies-to lovers again, I DE VOU RED this book and I so wish I could go back and read it again for the first time. I also hope there's a sequel that follows their lives as now being together more (hint hint, wink wink Carley if you're reading this)

ONE THOUSAND times over I recommend this book. Just do yourself the favour and thank me later.

Thrilled to have read my first Canadian romance novel! “Every Summer After” is thematically and structurally similar to Emily Henry’s work––this book is part “Beach Read,” part “People We Meet on Vacation.” Fortune handles the different timelines with care and precision, and her prose is well-edited. This author’s strength is definitely in her descriptive writing; so much of “Every Summer After” relies on the detailed and affective depiction of Barry’s Bay, this special place that the protagonists Sam and Percy keep returning to. Fortune successfully portrays that space and its unique connection with Percy. The dialogue between the characters isn’t as strong, but Fortune makes up for that aspect by building a romantic mystery plot that is genuinely intriguing.

I don’t fully connect with Percy as a character; there’s an unecessary “not like other girls”-esque, “pick me” quality to her that feels very Y2K Heroine. I also only became invested in the story once Percy arrives in Barry’s Bay. The sections leading up to her arrival feel like a different book––they’re there to provide context for Percy’s life beyond Barry’s Bay, but they almost read like less well-written autofiction, or a personal essay, where stereotypical Canadian cultural references (the Hudson’s Bay blanket, Timmy’s) come off as product placement.

That said, I couldn’t put this book down once I was halfway through. The mystery element is just really well done, and I was impressed with how Fortune handles the way certain information is withheld from, and revealed to her characters.

As a reader, I’m not drawn to infidelity plots in romance, so that aspect of “Every Summer After” was a personal letdown for me. This likely won’t deter most readers, especially those who prefer romantic drama to romcom plots. Fortune’s debut is, ultimately, a page-turner, and it’s a novel that I’d recommend to fans of Emily Henry who await the release of “Book Lovers.”

*Thank you to NetGalley for access to this electronic ARC in exchange for my honest review.*

This was a top read for me. 💫

24 hours after finishing, I still don’t know what to do with myself because I want to read this book like it never ended.

I think I have a thing for flawed characters. I get so drawn in that my body squeezes with pain every time the character feels pain. It feels like someone is wringing me out like a sponge. (This is what I felt reading It Ends With Us too!) And books like this is the reason I love reading.

Percy’s mistake was something I predicted about midway through, but I was so immersed in their story that I wasn’t actively looking for clues to support it. I hated that she did it. But I also understood why.

And Sam. I love Sam. He was such a do-gooder. His struggle between following logic and heart was so real to me. Something I empathize with.

Their sarcasm and banter was perfection.

I loved the setting too. Canadian. Small town, lake front cottages. Summer heat. It felt like I was there.

BTW, the epilogue was magic.

It has:
Past and present timelines
Second chance trope
Always been you trope
Small town, lake front cottage
Similar vibes to People We Meet On Vacation
Nostalgia
Teenage love
First love
Chemistry


Reread? Definitely.

TW: anxiety + panic, grief

Thank you @carleyfortune @berkleypub @berkleyromance @netgalley for the advanced copy. Opinions are my own.

Every Summer After
By Carley Fortune

Every Summer After
By Carley Fortune

Have you picked your summer reads yet? If not, do yourself a favor and pick up Every Summer After by Carley Fortune.

This book will touch everyone in some way. Be it remembering your summer cottage crush, your first real break up or finally being able to clear the air years later. You also realize true love can happen when you are thirteen years old.

The author takes readers through the “growing” years with Percy (Persephone) and Sam. From friends to young adults she takes us through almost seventeen years of memories, misunderstandings, angst and heartbreak to heal everyone when they are all together again to say good-bye to a beloved family member.

I felt like I was in the car and Percy and her parents drove up the highway to Barry’s Bay. I made new friends along the way, felt their feelings and hoped they made it through the rough times. I could not put it down; I was in it to the end.

Make sure this is with you at the beach, or on the dock or deck, even the hammock this summer, this read is a summer day well spent.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for the ebook copy of Every Summer After and congratulations to Author Carley Fortune on your first book.

Women’s Fiction, Romance, Friends-to-lovers tropes

Every Summer After by Carley Fortune

Summer romance perfection : first loves, cottage country, second chance romance, and friends-to-lovers all wrapped into one lake-filled, angsty and emotional read. I loved it. I stayed up way too late to finish it in just a couple of sittings. It has entered my pantheon of favourite nostalgic romance reads, to the likes of Love & Other Words by Christina Lauren.

Percy’s parents buy a cottage near Barry’s Bay in her early teen years. Sam lives next door year-round at the lake, and they become fast friends, picking up where they left off each holiday. The book follows a dual timeline format, told over 5 summers during their teen years, and in the present when they’re thirty. There’s so much build-up, teen angst, character growth over the years. Their story is messy and realistic and swoony. The characters are imperfect and not always likeable, but I couldn’t help rooting for them.

Absolutely recommend if you’re looking for a summer romance, with some 🔥 scenes. My only regret is that I didn’t read this on a dock lakeside. Perhaps a reread in order this summer! Thank you so much Penguin Random House Canada, Viking and NetGalley for an e-arc! It is out next week, May 10!

All opinions are my own.

.
I’m obsessed with this story. It reminds me so much of "The Summer I Turned Pretty" but an adult version. It has alternating timelines from past summers to present day with Percy, Sam and Charlie and how their relationships have unfolded. I love the friendship that Sam and Percy have and how they spent every summer hanging out. I felt that the characters when they were adults acted as teenagers every once in a while in the way they reacted to certain situations and how they held in their feelings for one another. Sam and Charlie had me laughing a lot, and rolling my eyes at times. Overall I enjoyed the messy relationships, the intense emotions and most of all, its setting, Ontario Canada! I was so excited when I found out this book was set in Ontario. I also loved getting to know Barry’s Bay, Ontario. I felt like I was transported there even though I hadn’t heard of it. After reading about Barry’s Bay I definitely want to visit.

My heart both hurt and fluttered reading some of the passages. The writing was fast paced and very addicting. I will 100% reread this book, maybe even this summer :)

Thank you Penguin Random House Canada and NetGalley for the eARC.

A perfectly Canadian summer romance. This is a must read for any seasonal book club. The setting, the descriptions, the plot. Percy (Persephone) and Sam's story was so heartfelt and deep. The alternating chapters were based on "then" and "now", and it truly set up the story to uncover the mystery and growth of their relationship. If you love any romance with a big focus on the story, with teeny bit of steam, this one's for you. I truly felt like I was in Ontario, in the summer, slathering on suncreen and enjoying ice cream treats. The nostalgia is real and I can't wait for summer to begin now!

I LOVED this book. Hard to believe this is this writers debut novel!
I had so many feelings while reading this book. I love “coming of age” novels. No exception with this story.
Reading this made me remember how hard it was to be a teenager, it was hard then and I can’t imagine what it’s like now. This book brought me back to my first crush and how it was the only thing that mattered in those days. Haha. Oh my, how time changes things!
There were multiple moments while I was reading that this book made me physically smile. I love it when books do that. This was all the right kinds of funny, adorable, awkward, etc.
The authors writing style made it easy to relate to the characters. The two main characters, Percy and Sam were really likeable.
I anticipate this will be a very popular summer read!
My only regret is that I’m not reading it on the beach somewhere. It sure made me miss the lake!!

okay i loved this.

this book is definitely a great summer read ( and i will reread it in the summer ). i love the friends to lovers trope especially when it has twists like this one and friendships!!

percy befriends both sam and charlie and i can assure you that friendship stays until the end.

the book is a emotional read but it develops well and will definitely keep you reading.

This story remind me a lot of Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren which is a big comfort book for me.

I loved the the way the story of Percy and Sam's relationship is told in the present and past timelines. The writing in this book hooked me in right away, I was able to really connect and picture different parts of the book being from Toronto myself. Sam and Percy were so relatable as kinds but also as adults. The struggle of learning yourself when you are growing up alongside your first love and best friend. How complex first relationships are. The angst between the characters, and how they find comfort in one another but also pain.

My only wish is that this story would have been told in some dual perspective, the story would have been richer if we got Sam's view on certain parts. But regardless this is a fantastic read.

Every Summer After quickly draws you in and gets you involved in the life of Percy and Sam.

There are secrets and jealousy and loyalty and friendship that keep those pages turning.

Percy made me laugh, cry and I cheered her on so many times.

The dual time line works so very well.

I loved the setting of Barry's Bay ( well I am from Ontario and spent many summers up north) you could hear the lake and smell the air.

Carley Fortune wrote a beautifully written book with characters that will stay with you.

I am a fan!

I so enjoyed Every Summer After (and I don't usually read this genre) but I would pick up another book by Carley anytime.

Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada, Viking for page turning read.

Expected Publication Date: May 10, 2022

Persephone gets a devastating call. Her ex boyfriends mother has passed, and she should be there. It’s been a decade since she’s seen any of them. When Percy returns for the funeral, the connection they always had is still there. decades ago Percy made a decision and has been punishing herself for it every since.

Omg, I love this book!
Love a dual timeline, Percy and Sam’s summers together spanning over 6 years, and the now.
Small town childhood friends to strangers to lovers.
Second Chance romance.
The writing style, setting, characters, relationships, the whole story was amazing.

I received an advance review copy from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

If you liked The Summer I Turned Pretty trilogy by Jenny Han and Love & Other Words by Christina Lauren, you NEED to read this book!

Six summers to fall in love. One moment to fall apart. A weekend to get it right.

Every Summer After follows Percy, who spent her summers growing up at her family’s summer cottage in Barry’s Bay, where they lived next door to a single mother and her two sons, Charlie and Sam. Through alternating timelines, we get to experience the six summers Percy and Sam spent together, where they fell in love and eventually had a falling out, as well as them reuniting as adults when Percy goes back to Barry’s Bay for Sam’s mother’s funeral.

With this book, you get the second chance romance trope, friends-to-lovers trope, and summer vibes, making it the perfect summer read! I especially loved all the Canadian references throughout the book. This was overall such an incredible debut novel, I can’t recommend it enough!

Thank you to Penguin Random House CA and Netgalley for the ARC!

“Every Summer After” will definitely be a popular choice for many this summer!
Although I don’t gravitate towards the Romance genre, I did enjoy all the GTA and cottage country references throughout. This was a quick read and although the story wasn’t my favourite, it was generally an OK read.

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for the opportunity to read this ARC!

Absolutely go and buy this book! Like right now, go to the store, preorder it and when it arrives, read it immediately. It was such a romantic and beautifully written love story.

Childhood/first love
Second chance romance
Canadian based story and author
Cottage country setting

5 of the brightest stars I can find!