We’re back in Barry’s Bay for a sequel to Carley Fortune’s Every Summer After, which was one of my favourite reads of 2022. I was actually quite suprised I was chosen to recieve an ARC (yes, the review is still late…2025 is hard) because I got denied for Meet Me At The Lake, and arguably this book is much more popular. Though I didn’t remember much about Sam’s brother Charlie from ESA, I was excited to return back to the Bay and be transported to the ultimate summer universe that Fortune has created.

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.

The plot to Every Summer After is a little bit rusty in my mind, but I think I like Charlie and Alice’s story a little bit more. Sam and Percy were old friends reunited, where Charlie and Alice started out as playful rivals and the banter is unmatched. (I love me some banter.) There was a bit of a twist that was not a surprise if you were paying close attention, but it added a nice pace to the story—though sometimes the miscommunication between Charlie and Alice is a little bit frustrating. Otherwise, they’re adorable and perfect for each other—and I loved how you got glimpses into the lives of Sam and Percy as well!

The secondary characters, especially Nan and Alice’s siblings, added more colour and fun to an already enjoyable summer read. Anyone who loves summer, wants to take a little escape from the day-to-day and who can’t wait to watch two people fall in love will devour this instantly!

4.5 STARS

“That’s why you should grab onto whatever makes you happy now and hold on for as long as you can. Life’s short.” —Carley Fortune, One Golden Summer

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada (Viking) for an advanced book copy in exchange for my honest review.