One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune Book Review

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A radiant escape to the lake from #1 New York Times bestselling author Carley Fortune.

I never anticipated Charlie Florek.

Good things happen at the lake. That’s what Alice’s grandmother says, and it’s true. Alice spent just one summer there at a cottage with Nan when she was seventeen—it’s where she took that photo, the one of three grinning teenagers in a yellow speedboat, the image that changed her life.

Now Alice lives behind a lens. As a photographer, she’s most comfortable on the sidelines, letting other people shine. Lately though, she’s been itching for something more, and when Nan falls and breaks her hip, Alice comes up with a plan for them both: another summer in that magical place, Barry’s Bay. But as soon as they settle in, their peace is disrupted by the roar of a familiar yellow boat, and the man driving it.

Charlie Florek was nineteen when Alice took his photo from afar. Now he’s all grown up—a shameless flirt, who manages to make Nan laugh and Alice long to be seventeen again, when life was simpler, when taking pictures was just for fun. Sun-slanted days and warm nights out on the lake with Charlie are a balm for Alice’s soul, but when she looks up and sees his piercing green gaze directly on her, she begins to worry for her heart.

Because Alice sees people—that’s why she is so good at what she does—but she’s never met someone who looks and sees her right back.

One Golden Summer Book Review

From the moment One Golden Summer was announced, I couldn’t wait to read Charlie’s story—and it did not disappoint. I’m so glad I reread Every Summer After beforehand, because it made the entire experience feel even more seamless and connected. This follow-up is sweet, nostalgic, and everything I hoped it would be.

One Golden Summer brings us back to Barry’s Bay, where Alice returns with her grandmother and crosses paths with Charlie Florek—the boy she once photographed from afar, now all grown up. Against the backdrop of long lake days and golden summer nights, their slow-burn romance unfolds. It’s tender and full of nostalgia.

Charlie has always been a character I adored, but seeing him step into the spotlight made me love him even more. His quirks and mischievous side shine, but what really stood out was his growth and vulnerability. Alice is such a great match for him—her history with the lake and her sweet, steady presence bring out a side of Charlie we’ve never seen. Together, their romance feels genuine and deeply satisfying. And of course, the cameos from Sam and Percy were such a lovely addition!

Like Every Summer After, this book balances humour, heart, and a touch of drama. There are emotional beats and moments of sadness, but they never overshadow the joy of the love story. I adored how the slow burn between Charlie and Alice unfolded—it was layered, patient, and oh-so rewarding by the end. The setting was once again a standout for me. As someone who grew up spending summers at a cottage, I connected instantly with the way Carley Fortune captures lake life—the traditions, the nostalgia, and the golden haze of summer days.

And, as always, Carley Fortune’s writing is stunning—it’s smooth, heartfelt, and completely immersive.

One Golden Summer might just be my favourite read of the year so far. It’s charming, romantic, and filled with everything I love about a summer story: nostalgia, love, family, and the beauty of second chances. If you adored Every Summer After, you’ll fall head over heels for Charlie and Alice’s story too. Pure perfection!

Rating: ★★★★★

About Carley Fortune

Carley Fortune is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Every Summer After, Meet Me at the Lake, and This Summer Will Be Different. She is an award-winning Canadian journalist who’s worked as an editor for Refinery29, The Globe and Mail, Chatelaine, and Toronto Life. She lives in Toronto with her husband and two sons.