One Golden Summer

Thank you to @prhaudio for this #gifted audiobook. #prhaudioinfluencerSTARSHello Charlie Florek and hello to a FIVE STAR read! There really aren’t enough words in any language to express how I much I loved this book, but alas, I am going try. ❤️ I did a dual listening/reading experience, it was perfect!One Golden Summer takes us back to Barry’s Bay with the most captivating and delicious descriptions of summer. Charlie Florek is the playboy big brother with the heart-breaker rep from Every Summer After, and Alice, our new heroine, is a quiet and artistic photographer who finds herself back at the lake for the summer. When these two meet, it is instant fireworks!Being back in Barry’s Bay was exactly what my heart needed. While this isn’t necessarily described as a sequel to Every Summer After, it sure felt like it, with multiple appearances from Percy, Sam, and other favorite characters. I truly felt transported to the lake and wished I could stay there forever.I loved Alice’s transformation and Charlie’s ability to bring out the best in her. Charlie reminds me so much of my husband… a wild boy who doesn’t think he’s worthy of love but has a heart full of it to give… and he’s so sweet to Grandma Nan too! I couldn’t get enough!I fell in love with my husband over a summer (we call it The Summer of Love), and my own grandmother played a large part in our story. I also feel like Alice and Charlie saw each other like no one else could, and I relate.You will LOVE this story if you love summer vibes, finding yourself, friends to lovers, sibling dynamics, and major nostalgia.SPICEHoly butterflies! This story made my tummy jump over and over. Gosh I wanted Alice and Charlie to figure it all out! And they do… 🔥! There are several open door scenes, but the writing is classy and satisfying all at the same time.HAPPY ENDINGYes! Finally!! Whew. I wasn’t sure we were going to get there, but it was perfect. Loved Sam and Percy’s roles in completing this story. Loved that Charlie found his happy!FINAL THOUGHTSI would HIGHLY recommend you read Every Summer After before jumping into One Golden Summer. Your reading experience will be greatly improved if you understand Charlie’s history. This story explains the decisions he made in ESA in a way that my heart really needed!The Queen of Beach Reads has returned… thank you Carley for this gem!

This book was chosen as a book club read. I have never read a Carley Fortune book before this one but I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised by her writing style. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.Alice and Charlie are truly end game. I enjoyed their banter from the first phone conversation. It was cute and gave you time to watch their chemistry and personalities evolve together. I also loved how Alice is written—she thinks she is this shy woman who doesn’t know how to speak up for herself but she’s actually very strong willed and knows who she is. Charlie just gives her more confidence in herself. Her relationships with her family are also fun and heartwarming.This is definitely a slow-burn book but it does have a little spice about halfway in. It’s also important to note that this book is about a 33 year old woman and a 35 year old man. So it was refreshing to read about adults. This can be read as a standalone but Charlie’s brother Sam, his story is another book that can be read before this called “Every Summer After”.

One Golden Summer creates an enchanting escape where love conquers life's toughest challenges. Carly Fortune has crafted another winner with Charlie Florek - a character so compelling he'll set impossibly high standards for future book boyfriends.This novel masterfully balances heartbreak and hope, creating that bittersweet reading experience where even the painful moments feel beautifully crafted. It's the perfect summer read for anyone seeking emotional depth alongside romantic escapism.While it stands alone perfectly, readers familiar with Fortune's "Every Summer After" will appreciate the shared setting and character connections that add extra richness to the story. The lakeside backdrop provides a gorgeous, nostalgic atmosphere throughout both books.Fortune continues to demonstrate her talent for creating immersive romantic fiction that lingers long after the final page. Her writing style draws you in completely, making it impossible to put down.Book arrived in excellent condition. Highly recommend for fans of contemporary romance seeking their next emotional journey.

I love how Carley deliberately and slowly reveals every element of the characters, the scenery, the water, the friendship, the tensions, and the love. I found this book magnificent because I felt I was there, inside the book, watching everything. It was moving for me as I felt the emotions, laughed at Charlie's jokes and teasing. Cheered when Alice found her voice, purpose, and boundaries. Laughed out loud with Nan's observations and statements. I loved the entire book and all of the characters.Carley, I've read all of your books. I am happy you've chosen to share your creative talents and Barry Bay stories with all of us. I'm already looking forward to your next book.