Every Summer After

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.