Books One Golden Summer Novel by Carley Fortune

"One Golden Summer" by Carley Fortune is a romantic novel set in the picturesque lakeside town of Barry’s Bay, Ontario. The story centers on Alice Everly, a successful photographer who first discovered her passion for photography during a transformative summer at Barry’s Bay when she was seventeen. Now in her thirties and feeling burnt out after a painful breakup, Alice returns to Barry’s Bay with her grandmother Nan, who is recovering from hip replacement surgery.

During this return to the summer retreat, Alice reconnects with Charlie Florek, the charming and flirtatious caretaker of the cabin they are staying at. Charlie was one of the subjects of a photo Alice took as a teen, which served as the inspiration for her career. Their summer is filled with adventure, laughter, and shared moments as Charlie helps care for Nan and slowly breaks down Alice’s emotional walls. Despite their mutual reluctance to commit, the chemistry between them grows, making Alice feel revitalized and ready to embrace new possibilities.

Themes in the novel include rediscovery, healing, and the power of second chances, set against the backdrop of sunlit lake days and warm relationships. Alice’s journey is a rekindling of her spirit, both personally and creatively, as she learns to see herself through new eyes, with the tantalizing possibility of love on the horizon.