A Summer to Remember: A Review of One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune
Ah, summer. That glorious season that invites us to bask in sunlight, explore deep waters, and reflect on life’s fleeting moments. Carley Fortune’s One Golden Summer caught my eye with its promise of nostalgia, love, and healing, and oh, did it deliver! This novel unfolded like a shimmering photograph, capturing not just a summer but an entire journey of rediscovery that resonated deeply with me.
The story centers around Alice Everly, a burnt-out photographer from Toronto who returns to her roots in Barry’s Bay to care for her grandmother, Nan. What begins as a caretaker’s mission quickly morphs into a transformative quest for self-acceptance. Through Alice’s lens, we explore not only the stunning landscapes of lake life but also the intricate tapestry of human emotions—grief, longing, and the beautiful messiness of love. Fortune elegantly navigates these themes, inviting readers into a world where moments become memories, and every image tells a story.
Alice is a character I felt immediately connected to. Her journey of dealing with corporate burnout and a lackluster relationship struck a chord with me, as many of us know the weight of expectations and the struggle to reclaim our passions. “I used to think the photo changed my life. But maybe it just captured the moment it started.” This quote encapsulates Alice’s journey perfectly—a lesson in recognizing our pivotal moments and learning to love ourselves in the process.
Charlie Florek, the charming yet vulnerable embodiment of a “soft boy,” adds another layer of complexity to the narrative. As Alice’s romantic counterpart, he is both comedic and heartbreaking—emotional walls and all. Their chemistry is palpable; the witty banter and tender moments kept me enthralled. The dialogue sparkles with life and authenticity, showcasing Fortune’s incredible ability to craft conversations that pull at the heartstrings.
The novel’s structure, with its mix of present and flashbacks, adds depth, allowing past summers to intertwine with present choices. Each chapter felt like peering through a frame lined with golden memories, artfully linking the buoyancy of summer with deeper emotional truths. And let’s not overlook the importance of Alice’s bucket list, which serves as both a fun diversion and a poignant reminder to embrace life fully, bravely venturing out of our comfort zones.
The delightful supporting cast, from Nan—the whiskey-witted matriarch teaching tough love—to Alice’s sister Heather and Charlie’s family, enriches the narrative with humor and heart. I found myself laughing and tearing up in equal measure as I connected with their individual stories.
Ultimately, One Golden Summer is more than a romance; it’s a beautifully layered exploration of memory, healing, and the audacity to be seen. Fortune’s warm, thoughtful writing style envelopes you like a cozy blanket, making it easy to devour the book in a single sitting. By the end, I felt transformed alongside Alice, awash in the shimmering magic of her journey—one that encourages us all to risk softness, to love when it’s scary, and to choose joy.
I highly recommend this novel to fans of heartfelt summer reads, intergenerational storytelling, and anyone who has ever allowed nostalgia to guide their hearts. As the final pages turned, I felt that familiar ache of longing for a summer that, while not perfect, glimmered with possibility. If you’ve ever found yourself wishing for moments that glow golden, then let this one be your next heartfelt escape. You’ll come away wanting to dive into the lake as much as into life itself. 🌊
4 stars: "Not every summer glows golden — but this one shimmered just enough."
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