Imagine lazy summer days by a shimmering lake, the warmth of first love, and the ache of second chances. That’s the magic of Carley Fortune’s novels, where nostalgic settings and heartfelt romance pull you into stories you’ll never forget. As a #1 New York Times and Globe and Mail bestselling author, Carley Fortune has captured the hearts of romance readers worldwide with her evocative tales of love, loss, and reconnection. If you’re a fan of authors like Emily Henry or crave the perfect beach read, her books are a must. In this guide, we’ll explore all Carley Fortune books in order, share tips for the best reading experience, and dive into why her stories are the ultimate summer escape. Ready to fall in love with her world? Let’s get started!
Who Is Carley Fortune?
Carley Fortune is a Canadian author whose summer romance novels have taken the literary world by storm. Before becoming a bestselling novelist, she was an award-winning journalist and executive editor at Refinery29 Canada, with stints at top publications like The Globe and Mail and Toronto Life. Growing up in Barry’s Bay, Ontario, and the suburbs of Sydney, Australia, Fortune infuses her stories with authentic, nostalgic settings that feel like a warm hug. Her debut, Every Summer After, became a BookTok sensation, and her books have sold over two million copies worldwide. Excitingly, Every Summer After is being adapted into a TV series titled Every Year After by Amazon MGM Studios, and Meet Me at the Lake has been optioned by Netflix. Follow her on Instagram or visit her official website for the latest updates.
Carley Fortune Books in Order
Here’s a complete list of Carley Fortune books in order of publication, perfect for planning your next romantic read. Each standalone novel captures the essence of summer, love, and second chances, with vivid settings and emotional depth.
| Title | Publication Date | Summary | Setting & Themes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Every Summer After | May 10, 2022 | Persephone “Percy” Fraser returns to Barry’s Bay after a decade, confronting her past mistakes and reconnecting with Sam Florek, her first love. Told over six summers and one pivotal weekend, this nostalgic tale explores forgiveness and second chances. | Setting: Barry’s Bay, Ontario. Themes: Friends-to-lovers, second-chance romance, nostalgia. |
| 2. Meet Me at the Lake | May 2, 2023 | Fern Brookbanks meets artist Will Baxter for a whirlwind day in Toronto, making a pact to reconnect a year later. When life derails their plans, a chance reunion at her family’s lakeside resort tests their chemistry and choices. | Setting: Toronto and Muskoka, Ontario. Themes: Second-chance romance, forced proximity, life decisions. |
| 3. This Summer Will Be Different | May 7, 2024 | Lucy vacations on Prince Edward Island, where a steamy encounter with Felix, her best friend’s brother, complicates her heart. As she navigates forbidden attraction and her friend’s crisis, Lucy must decide what she truly wants. | Setting: Prince Edward Island. Themes: Forbidden romance, friends-to-lovers, summer escape. |
| 4. One Golden Summer | May 6, 2025 | Photographer Alice returns to Barry’s Bay with her grandmother, Nan, seeking healing. When Charlie Florek, a charming local, reignites old sparks, Alice rediscovers her passion for photography and love. | Setting: Barry’s Bay, Ontario. Themes: Second-chance romance, small-town charm, self-discovery. |
Note: Every Summer After and One Golden Summer are connected by their Barry’s Bay setting and shared characters (Charlie Florek appears in both). For the best experience, read Every Summer After first. Fortune is also working on her fifth novel, a childhood friends-to-lovers story set in a new, stunning location, slated for release in 2026.
Image Alt Text: Carley Fortune books in order cover collection, featuring Every Summer After, Meet Me at the Lake, This Summer Will Be Different, and One Golden Summer.
Reading Order Tips
Carley Fortune’s books are standalone novels, so you can dive into any of them without needing prior context. However, for fans wanting to savor the full experience, we recommend reading Every Summer After before One Golden Summer due to their shared Barry’s Bay setting and character connections (Charlie Florek’s story in One Golden Summer feels richer with Percy and Sam’s backstory). Reading in publication order—Every Summer After (2022), Meet Me at the Lake (2023), This Summer Will Be Different (2024), and One Golden Summer (2025)—lets you follow Fortune’s evolving storytelling and catch subtle nods between books. Want more summer romance inspiration?
Why Read Carley Fortune’s Books?
Carley Fortune’s novels are a love letter to summer, blending slow-burn romance, vivid Canadian settings, and characters who feel like old friends. Her stories resonate with fans of Emily Henry and Abby Jimenez, offering a perfect mix of nostalgia, steamy moments, and emotional depth. Whether it’s the lakeside charm of Barry’s Bay or the vibrant shores of Prince Edward Island, her settings transport you to sun-soaked days and starry nights. Readers rave about her work, with one Goodreads reviewer saying, “Every Summer After made me feel like I was right there in Barry’s Bay, swimming off the dock and falling in love.” Perfect for beach reads or cozy evenings, her books are ideal for anyone craving heartfelt romance with a side of summer nostalgia. Dive into her world and experience love stories that linger long after the last page.
Conclusion and Call-to-Action
Carley Fortune’s books are your ticket to unforgettable summer romances, filled with heart, nostalgia, and second chances. From the lakeside magic of Every Summer After to the soulful journey of One Golden Summer, her novels are perfect for romance readers and beach read enthusiasts alike. Start with Every Summer After to fall in love with Barry’s Bay, then let each story sweep you away. Which Carley Fortune book is your favorite? Share in the comments or tag us on social media! Subscribe to our blog for more romance novel recommendations, and stay tuned for updates on Fortune’s fifth book in 2026. Ready for more summer vibes?
FAQ: Carley Fortune Books
Do you need to read Carley Fortune’s books in order?
No, her books are standalone novels, so you can read them in any order. However, reading Every Summer After before One Golden Summer enhances the experience due to shared settings and characters.
Are Every Summer After and One Golden Summer part of a series?
Not officially, but they’re connected by the Barry’s Bay setting and characters like Charlie Florek. Think of them as companion novels in the “Every Summer After series.”
What is the setting of Carley Fortune’s books?
Her novels are set in picturesque Canadian locations: Barry’s Bay, Ontario (Every Summer After, One Golden Summer), Muskoka, Ontario (Meet Me at the Lake), and Prince Edward Island (This Summer Will Be Different).
Are Carley Fortune’s books being adapted into movies or TV shows?
Yes! Every Summer After is being adapted into a TV series called Every Year After by Amazon MGM Studios, and Meet Me at the Lake has been optioned for a Netflix film.
