After Every Summer After I dubbed Carley Fortune my new favorite writer, so when this book came out, I couldn’t wait to read it. Was I let down? No, not exactly. But this book was definitely not as good as her first (this could solely be because I have a soft spot for friends to lovers which ESA was 🤷🏼♀️).
In this book, we follow Fern and Will in a dual timeline: 10 years ago and now. Fern Brookbanks is back at her family’s lakeside resort after her mother tragically dies in a car accident. She is faced with running the place even though it was never her dream and something she actively ran away from (has that changed now that the resort is hers?). Fern is then confronted with a consultant her mother brought on only to discover he is the man that she spent one glorious day with 10 years ago, Will Baxter. While that day in the past was perfect, the timing was wrong for both parties so they agree to meet 1 year later. But Will doesn’t show up, breaking Ferns heart. The chemistry was plain to see 10 years ago and has only gotten thicker now that he’s living across the path from Fern as he helps with the resort. Fern has to decide what to do with her life: resort and Will…
In true Carley Fortune fashion, the setting of Muskoka, Canada was to die for. A true lake read if I’ve ever read one. She has such a way of painting the landscape that it’s almost another character in her story. I loved Fern’s struggle with identity (haven’t we all wanted to run away from family only to find ourselves back where we started?), and the cast of characters at the resort were amazing as well (Peter, the Roses & Jamie). This being said, Will Baxter left something to be desired during parts of the story for me. He’s a man of few words and a true artsy type which isn’t super attractive to me so I found it hard to connect. But, when he did open up I was grateful for the insight into his personality. Additionally, this book was a bit slow-going so it took a bit of time to get into it.
While this book wasn’t as drool worthy as Every Summer After, I still really enjoyed it and think it would be a great summer read (especially by a body of water, as always).
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5 stars
Format: Audiobook
Troupes: Second chance romance
Read this if you like: Indiana Jones/ National Treasure/ Holes, if you were a horse girl… this one’s for you!
My Rating System
⭐️ – I did not like this book and generally would not recommend it.
⭐️⭐️ – This book was oook, but I felt pretty meh about it.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ – This book was average. Didn’t love some parts but I still liked it overall.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – I really liked this book and will definitely recommend it to friends.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – I’m shouting this book’s praises from the rooftops! I loved it!
💫 – Half star
📖 One More Page Book Club pick of the month!
