Could there be a better title for a book to read in June? Nope, didn’t think so. If you want a beautifully written story with ALL the summer vibes, this is it — “One Golden Summer” by Carley Fortune.
Unlike most people, I discovered this book before I realized that it’s related to the author’s debut novel titled “Every Summer After,” (which was a huge hit with more than 8,000 reviews.) But it was no problem because “One Golden Summer” easily stands alone as its own story. (But I’m definitely going to read that first book, too, because I loved this one so much.)
I listened to the audio version of this novel, which is quickly becoming my favorite way to consume as many novels as possible. Listening to a book while doing chores, running errands, or exercise makes something you might have been dreading into something you’re happy to do because you get to listen to more of the book! If you can listen while lounging by the pool or lake, it’s even better. (The author recorded the audio version herself, which always makes a book even better for me.)
Title: One Golden Summer
Author: Carley Fortune
What it’s about (without spoilers):
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.
What others are saying:
“One Golden Summer was everything I wanted for Charlie and more! Alice and Charlie’s chemistry is an absolute bonfire, the banter is perfection, and Nan is a treasure. Fortune’s stories are rich and sparkling. She makes me believe that a summer at the lake is a necessary and formative experience in life.“—Abby Jimenez, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Say You’ll Remember Me
“The sparks between Alice and Charlie fly off the page and endearing Nan adds heart. This is a treat.”—Publishers Weekly
“Readers will enjoy the steamy love story that develops but will also appreciate Alice’s personal growth. Not only does she find love, she finds her purpose in her career. Fans of Annabel Monaghan will agree with Nan that ‘good things happen at the lake.'”—Booklist (starred review)
Reviews: This book gets a 4.6 (out of 5) star rating on Amazon with more than 10,700 ratings posted (even though it has only been on shelves since May 6th). It already has more than 69,000 ratings posted on Goodreads. We think you’ll love this one! It has been a few weeks since I finished the book, and I already miss Alice and Charlie!
