Carley Fortunes Best Book Yet?

Eeeek, Carley Fortune does it again! One Golden Summer was a magical, nostalgic, sweet-and-spicy summer read that had me hooked from the first page. It felt like sunshine bottled up in book form, perfect for beach bags and poolside lounging. 5 stars from me!

She truly owns the summer romance space, One Golden Summer is a tender, sun-soaked romance about second chances and rediscovering yourself. Carley Fortune captures the ache of nostalgia and the pull of a love that never fully faded.

Here’s my updated ranking of her books:

1. This Summer Will Be Different

2. Every Summer After

3. One Golden Summer

4. Meet Me at the Lake

Which of hers is your fave?

#lemon8bookclub #lemon8creatorprogram #summerreads2025 #carleyfortune Boston

Boston
2025/7/24 Edited to

... Read moreI've been absolutely swept away by Carley Fortune's 'One Golden Summer,' and I can't stop thinking about it! There’s just something about her storytelling that captures the essence of summer romance so perfectly. When I picked up this book, I immediately pictured myself lounging by the pool or on a beach, perhaps with a glass of crisp Pinot Grigio nearby, my favorite sunglasses on, and all my essentials tucked into a straw bag. It truly embodies that idyllic summer escape, making it the ultimate companion for vacation or or even just a cozy afternoon at home. For those wondering, 'One Golden Summer' is a beautiful stand-alone novel, so you can dive right in without needing to read anything else first. It falls firmly into the contemporary romance genre, specifically a heartwarming second-chance romance. The story skillfully explores themes of nostalgia, rediscovery, and the enduring pull of a past love that never quite faded. Without giving too much away, it follows two characters who reconnect years after a pivotal summer changed their lives. Fortune masterfully weaves their past and present together, creating a narrative that’s both poignant and utterly hopeful. And, if you're curious about the 'spice level' – a question that often comes up with romance novels – I’d say 'One Golden Summer' is a beautifully written, emotionally rich story with a moderate level of intimacy. It’s definitely present and adds to the romance, but it's not the sole focus, making it a great read for a wide audience who appreciate character-driven love stories. My personal ranking of Carley Fortune's books often sparks a fun debate among fellow readers! While 'One Golden Summer' is a fantastic addition, for me, 'This Summer Will Be Different' still holds the top spot. Its unique blend of emotion and narrative depth resonated with me profoundly. 'Every Summer After' is a close second, a quintessential summer read that really cemented Fortune’s place as a queen of the genre. Then comes 'One Golden Summer,' followed by 'Meet Me at the Lake,' which is also a wonderful read but perhaps a touch less impactful for my personal taste. Each book offers its own distinct charm, so if you've loved one, you're bound to find joy in her others. If you're looking for 'books like One Golden Summer' or 'authors like Carley Fortune,' I highly recommend Emily Henry for her witty banter and emotional depth, or Colleen Hoover for compelling character journeys (though her style can be quite varied). For more sun-soaked, nostalgic vibes, try books by Elin Hilderbrand or Jenny Han. These authors excel at crafting stories that transport you, much like Carley Fortune does, making them perfect for your next girls' trip or a solo escape. The beauty of her writing is that it’s not just about the romance; it’s about the feeling of summer, the journey of self-discovery, and the powerful pull of human connection. Happy reading, and I'd love to hear your favorite Carley Fortune book!

14 comments

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Cassreads 📚

I read every summer after and loved it! Then I picked up Meet me at the lake and I am 60 pages in and have not touched it in weeks! I can’t get into it! Im worried I won’t like her other books now!

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