Every Summer After by Carley Fortune: A Summer Romance Worth Savoring
Sometimes, a book just catches your eye and you feel an instant connection, like a familiar face in a crowded room. That was my experience with Carley Fortune’s Every Summer After. Having seen comparisons to the beloved Love and Other Words, I approached the read with curiosity—and admittedly a bit of skepticism, especially given the mention of a cheating trope. However, I found myself pleasantly surprised by the depth and emotion packed within these pages, ultimately giving it a solid 3.5 stars.
At its heart, Every Summer After tugs at the age-old themes of love, regret, and second chances. The story spans two timelines, exploring the poignant relationship between Sam and Percy as they navigate their feelings from the innocent, carefree days of youth to the harsh realities of adulthood. The nostalgic summer backdrop of Barry’s Bay evokes those sun-soaked, lazy days that we all yearn for—like the best kind of summer fling, where life feels simple yet complicated. Carley Fortune truly captures that idyllic vibe and imbues it with the bittersweet nature of memories—exactly the kind of atmosphere I love in a summer read.
The dynamics between Sam and Percy intrigued me. Sam, with his introverted, nerdy charm, is the kind of character you want to root for. His unwavering maturity and commitment to his dreams are touching, especially in light of the devastating loss he faced young. As his characterization unfolded, it was clear how deeply he cared for Percy, even if communication wasn’t always his strong suit. On the other hand, Percy’s character presents a more complex picture. A “damaged pick me” who craves validation, she often frustrated me, yet I recognized the scars that drove her decisions. While I wished for more character development from Percy as the story progressed, her desire to make amends resonates with many who have faced their own past choices.
One memorable line that stood out to me was: “The way I felt about you was always so clear to me—even when we were young I knew you and I were meant for each other.” This encapsulates the intricate dance of their connection perfectly—two souls meant to be but shattered by misunderstandings and choices made in the moment. I was also captivated by moments of their shared passion for books and horror movies, which created a beautifully layered friendship that blossomed into love.
Fortune’s writing style is accessible and engaging, making it easy to get lost in the pages. However, I found myself wishing that the present-day timeline had more of a presence. With only 30% of the story dedicated to the aftermath of Percy’s return and the years of pain they both harbored, I craved more depth. The rushed ending left me wanting a more gradual rebuilding of trust and love; something that could have really cemented the emotional weight of their reunion.
One of the more contentious elements of the story is, of course, the cheating trope. Percy’s decision to cheat on Sam with his brother Charlie hit hard, and while I empathized with the characters’ youth and confusion, I couldn’t help but grapple with my feelings towards this choice. The narrative does explore the repercussions of this betrayal, but it left me wanting even more resolution regarding their past, especially after twelve years apart.
In the end, Every Summer After is a heartfelt exploration of love’s complexities, perfectly suited for readers who enjoy second-chance romances infused with summer nostalgia. If you’re looking for a book that will tug at your heartstrings yet leave you pondering the nuances of relationships, this one’s for you. While it may not fully escape the shadow of Love and Other Words, it stands on its own as a tender and compelling read. Just be ready for some intense emotional rollercoasters—it’s worth every twist and turn.