Book Review: One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune – A Deeply Felt Summer Love Story 🇨🇦

One Golden Summer is a heartfelt, chemistry-filled romance about rediscovery, second chances, and one unforgettable summer at the lake.

Summary:

Alice never expected Charlie Florek to crash back into her life. Years ago, a single summer at Barry’s Bay with her Nan and a photo of three teenagers in a yellow speedboat changed everything for her. Now a photographer who prefers life behind the lens, Alice returns to the lake when Nan breaks her hip, hoping for another magical summer. But the past comes rushing back when Charlie—once the boy in her photo, now a charming and confident man—roars onto the water in that same yellow boat. As sun-drenched days and late-night conversations draw them closer, Alice finds herself seen in a way she never has before. And that, more than anything, makes her afraid of what comes next.

My Thoughts:

Carley Fortune has done it again—One Golden Summer is a romantic, emotionally layered story that captures all the magic of a Canadian summer on the lake. It’s a perfect blend of heartfelt character development, sizzling chemistry, and nostalgic atmosphere.

At thirty-three, Alice is a successful photographer whose life is full but no longer fulfilling. After a tough breakup—her long-term boyfriend got engaged to someone else just two months later—she’s been hiding behind her camera, chronicling other people’s moments while ignoring her own needs. When her beloved Nan breaks her hip (while dancing, no less), Alice jumps at the chance to return to Barry’s Bay, the place where she spent one unforgettable summer at seventeen. That summer sparked her passion for photography—particularly one image she captured from afar of a young man in a yellow speedboat.

That man turns out to be Charlie Florek. Now all grown up, Charlie is a confident, flirtatious presence who reappears in Alice’s life in the most unexpected way—by helping her and Nan settle in for the summer. Although they’ve never met before, there’s an immediate spark between them. Their personalities clash at first: Alice is reserved and more comfortable behind the lens, while Charlie is bold and charming. But as the summer stretches on, the chemistry becomes impossible to ignore.

Alice is determined to challenge herself and step outside of her comfort zone, creating a list of goals to accomplish over the summer. With Charlie by her side—often nudging her along—they begin checking off those experiences, and Alice slowly starts to rediscover her joy. Their relationship unfolds with such tension and tenderness; Fortune has a real gift for writing characters whose emotional journeys feel honest and earned.

Both Alice and Charlie have well-developed backstories that explain their reluctance to dive into anything serious. But that’s what makes their slow-burn romance feel so satisfying. You understand why they hold back, and you root for them as they inch closer together—sometimes through banter, sometimes through quiet moments by the lake.

This book checked every box for me as a romance reader: compelling characters, undeniable chemistry, memorable dialogue, and a setting that felt like slipping into a favourite memory. I especially appreciated the nods to Canadian culture—the lake life, the love of the outdoors, and that uniquely Canadian sense of place.

The Narration:

I listened to the audiobook, beautifully narrated by A.J. Bridel. She has an incredible talent for capturing the energy and heart of Carley Fortune’s characters, bringing each one to life with distinct voices and genuine emotion. Her performance added even more depth to an already touching story.

Final Thoughts:

One Golden Summer is a story about finding yourself, taking chances, and opening your heart—even when you least expect to. I’ll be thinking about Alice and Charlie for a long time, and dreaming of my own summer at the lake.

Other Books I’ve Reviewed Written by Carley Fortune:

This Summer Will Be Different

Meet Me At The Lake

Every Summer After