If you’re a fan of swoon-worthy summer romances that transport you to sun-drenched lakesides and cozy coastal towns, Carley Fortune’s books are your perfect beach read companions. As a #1 New York Times and Globe and Mail bestselling author, Carley Fortune has captured the hearts of over two million readers worldwide with her emotional, nostalgic, and beautifully crafted stories. In this guide, we’ll explore Carley Fortune’s books in order of publication, including plot highlights and why her novels are must-reads for romance lovers. Whether you’re new to her work or a devoted fan, this post will help you dive into her captivating world.
Why Read Carley Fortune’s Books?
Carley Fortune’s novels are standalone romances, meaning you can pick up any of her books without worrying about reading them in a specific order. However, her stories share a signature charm—think slow-burn romance, second-chance love, and vibrant summer settings like Barry’s Bay or Prince Edward Island. Her latest book, One Golden Summer, connects to Every Summer After, so reading those two in order might enhance your experience. Below, we’ve listed all of Carley Fortune’s books in publication order, with a sneak peek into each story and what makes them special.
List of Carley Fortune Books in Order
| Title | Release Date |
|---|---|
| Every Summer After | May 10, 2022 |
| Meet Me at the Lake | May 2, 2023 |
| This Summer Will Be Different | May 7, 2024 |
| One Golden Summer | May 6, 2025 |
Carley Fortune Books in Order of Publication
1. Every Summer After (May 10, 2022)
Every Summer After is Carley Fortune’s radiant debut, a New York Times bestseller that’s been optioned for a TV series titled Every Year After. Set in the idyllic lakeside town of Barry’s Bay, this novel follows Persephone “Percy” Fraser, who returns home after a decade away, haunted by the biggest mistake of her life. As a teenager, Percy spent six unforgettable summers with Sam Florek, her best friend turned first love. Their bond, forged through lazy lake days and late-night talks, fell apart spectacularly. When a call brings Percy back to Barry’s Bay, she’s forced to confront Sam and the past they left behind. This second-chance romance is perfect for fans of emotional, nostalgic love stories.
Why You’ll Love It: The blend of friendship-to-love romance, heartfelt forgiveness, and a summer setting makes this a page-turner. It’s a must-read before One Golden Summer for the full Barry’s Bay experience.
2. Meet Me at the Lake (May 2, 2023)
Meet Me at the Lake is a breathtaking story of missed connections and second chances, set to become a Netflix film produced by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Fern Brookbanks spends a whirlwind 24 hours in her early twenties with Will Baxter, a charming artist, during a daylong adventure in Toronto. They make a pact to reunite a year later, but Will doesn’t show, leaving Fern heartbroken. Now 32, Fern is running her mother’s lakeside resort—a life she never wanted—when Will reappears, offering help but hiding secrets. This slow-burn romance weaves past and present, exploring love, trust, and life’s unexpected turns.
Why You’ll Love It: Fans of The Time Traveler’s Wife will adore the emotional depth and the Muskoka-inspired setting that feels like a warm summer hug.
3. This Summer Will Be Different (May 7, 2024)
Set on the stunning Prince Edward Island, This Summer Will Be Different is a tale of forbidden love and self-discovery. Lucy “Bee” Ashby arrives for a carefree vacation with her best friend, Bridget, only to share a steamy night with Felix, a local who turns out to be Bridget’s younger brother. Despite their electric chemistry, Lucy and Felix vow to keep things platonic to honor Bridget’s “no falling for my brother” rule. But as Lucy returns to the island for Bridget’s wedding, resisting Felix becomes harder than ever. This novel is a love letter to summer flings and tough choices.
Why You’ll Love It: The vivid Prince Edward Island backdrop and the tension of forbidden romance make this a deliciously addictive read.
4. One Golden Summer (May 6, 2025)
One Golden Summer returns readers to the beloved Barry’s Bay, connecting to Every Summer After. Alice, a photographer who’s most comfortable behind the lens, heads to Barry’s Bay with her grandmother Nan after Nan breaks her hip. Their plan for a healing summer is disrupted by Charlie Florek, Sam’s older brother from Every Summer After, who roars back into Alice’s life on a familiar yellow speedboat. As past and present collide, Alice grapples with memories of a life-changing summer at 17 and the pull of a new romance. This standalone novel is a radiant escape for fans of heartfelt love stories.
Why You’ll Love It: If you loved Every Summer After, you’ll enjoy revisiting Barry’s Bay and diving into Charlie’s story. Reading Every Summer After first will deepen your connection to the characters.
Upcoming: Fifth Book (Expected 2026)
Carley Fortune has confirmed she’s working on her fifth book, set for release in 2026. While details like the title and cover are yet to be revealed, fans are buzzing with excitement for another emotional romance. Stay tuned for updates
Do You Need to Read Carley Fortune’s Books in Order?
Nope! All of Carley Fortune’s books are standalone novels, so you can jump in wherever you like. However, Every Summer After and One Golden Summer share the Barry’s Bay setting and characters (Sam and Charlie Florek), so reading Every Summer After before One Golden Summer will give you a richer understanding of the timeline and character dynamics. If you’re a fan of chronological reading, stick to the publication order listed above for the full Carley Fortune experience.
Why Carley Fortune’s Books Are Perfect for Summer Reading
Carley Fortune’s novels are tailor-made for summer vibes, with settings that whisk you away to lakeshores and coastal escapes. Her stories blend slow-burn romance, second-chance love, and themes of forgiveness and growth, making them ideal for readers who love authors like Emily Henry or Annabel Monaghan. Plus, with Every Summer After becoming a TV series and Meet Me at the Lake headed to Netflix, now’s the perfect time to dive into her books before they hit the screen.
Where to Find Carley Fortune’s Books
You can grab Carley Fortune’s books in paperback, hardcover, eBook, or audiobook formats from major retailers like:
- Amazon (check for deals on Kindle or physical copies)
- ThriftBooks for affordable used books with free U.S. shipping on orders over $15
- Your local bookstore for that cozy, indie vibe
Pro tip: Follow Carley Fortune on Instagram (@carleyfortune) for updates on new releases, cover reveals, and behind-the-scenes tidbits.
Final Thoughts
Carley Fortune’s books are a love letter to summer, romance, and second chances. Whether you start with the nostalgic Every Summer After or the dreamy This Summer Will Be Different, you’re in for an emotional, heartwarming ride. For the best experience, consider reading Every Summer After before One Golden Summer to catch all the Barry’s Bay connections. Which Carley Fortune book is your favorite, or which are you excited to read next? Drop a comment below and let’s chat about these swoony summer stories!
Happy reading, and may your summers be as golden as Carley Fortune’s novels!
