As always, this is another five star book from Carley Fortune. Charlie's story, told through the voice of Alice, is what all "Every Summer After" fans were hoping for. I love how Carley writes - as a reader you feel like the main characters are someone you could know in real life, and it makes you that much more connected to them. I'd love to hang out with Charlie, Alice, Sam, and Percy because Carley makes them so real and relatable. You definitely don't need to have read ESA in order to enjoy this book, but I would highly recommend it as it makes it that much more exciting. I love her voice, the way the story is told; what a fun, light hearted, grown up story about living your best life.

This was the trip to the lake I needed! Not only did it make me want to slow down, take more photos, make pierogies, sleep in a treehouse, and float in the lake, but it offered a couple I could cheer for in a beautiful slow burn romance. This is the book you need when you want to feel good, celebrate your uniqueness, and enjoy a romcom that plays out amidst campfires and new friendships under the sun. I really enjoyed Charlie, Alice, and Nan, and will absolutely read this book again.

*One Golden Summer* by Carley Fortune is a feel-good, heartfelt story that’s perfect for anyone who loves a bit of nostalgia and a slow-burn romance. The main character, Alice, is a photographer who spent a life-changing summer at a cottage with her grandmother, Nan, when she was seventeen. Now, years later, she’s back at the same spot, hoping to rekindle that magic while helping Nan recover from an injury. But things get interesting when she bumps into Charlie, the guy she took a photo of years ago.

Charlie’s all grown up now, and there’s instant chemistry between him and Alice. As they spend time together on the lake, the story shifts from Alice being a quiet observer to someone who’s learning to really live in the moment. The romance between them is sweet and definitely has some steamy tension, but it’s also about Alice figuring out who she is and what she wants beyond her work.

The book isn’t just about love—it’s also about Alice reconnecting with her roots and her relationship with Nan, which adds a nice family element to the story. The lake setting gives it a cozy, almost magical vibe, and you can really feel the peace of being in that kind of environment.

If you’re in the mood for a warm, heartwarming story with a bit of romance and self-discovery, *One Golden Summer* is definitely a great pick!

This book had it all! Romance, great characters and and unforgettable setting. The setting in particular brought back so many great cottage memories from my childhood and teen years in Ontario. This was exactly the read I wanted it to be.