You know that feeling when you sink your toes into warm sand, breathe in salty air, and just… exhale? That’s the vibe Carley Fortune captures in her latest novel, “This Summer Will Be Different.” It’s like a literary vacation to Prince Edward Island, complete with red cliffs, oysters, and a swoon-worthy romance that’ll have you canceling your plans to keep reading. Trust me, I tried to put this book down. I failed. Spectacularly.
A Beach Read with Depth (and Dimples)
Let’s get this out of the way: yes, “This Summer Will Be Different” is a romance. But if you’re picturing some fluff-filled romp, think again. Fortune has crafted a story that’s equal parts heartwarming and heart-wrenching, with characters so real you’ll swear you’ve met them before. Maybe at that cute little coffee shop on Queen Street? Or was it that oyster bar in Charlottetown?
Our heroine, Lucy Ashby, is a Toronto florist with a yearly escape to Prince Edward Island. It’s her chance to breathe, to shed the city stress, and to hang out with her best friend, Bridget. Oh, and to absolutely, positively not hook up with Bridget’s ridiculously attractive brother, Felix. Again. For like, the fifth time. (Spoiler alert: she’s not great at keeping that particular promise.)
Chemistry That’ll Fog Up Your Kindle
Look, I’m just gonna say it: Felix Clark is book boyfriend goals. He’s got that whole rugged island charm thing going on, plus he can shuck an oyster faster than you can say “aphrodisiac.” The sparks between him and Lucy are instant and electric. Their banter? Chef’s kiss. Their stolen glances? Swoon-worthy. Their… ahem… intimate scenes? Let’s just say you might want to read those parts with the AC on full blast.
But what I really loved is how Fortune builds their relationship beyond just the physical attraction. There’s history there, years of almost-moments and what-ifs. You can feel the weight of their connection, the push and pull of desire versus practicality. It’s messy and complicated and so, so real.
More Than Just a Summer Fling
Don’t get me wrong, the romance is steamy enough to rival a PEI lobster boil. But “This Summer Will Be Different” has layers, people. It’s about finding your place in the world, both literally and figuratively. Lucy’s journey of self-discovery feels incredibly relatable. Who hasn’t questioned their career path or wondered if they’re living the life they really want?
And then there’s the friendship between Lucy and Bridget. It’s the kind of ride-or-die bond that has you reaching for your phone to text your bestie. Their dynamic feels so authentic, complete with inside jokes, unwavering support, and the occasional brutally honest reality check. When Bridget hits a pre-wedding crisis, Lucy’s immediate “I’m on my way” response had me nodding along. That’s what real friendship looks like, folks.
Prince Edward Island: The Real Star of the Show
Can we talk about the setting for a second? Because holy lobster rolls, Batman, Fortune makes PEI sound like absolute paradise. The descriptions of red cliffs, rolling fields, and quaint coastal towns had me Googling flight prices faster than you can say “Anne of Green Gables.”
It’s clear Fortune has a deep love for the island, and it shines through in every lovingly crafted detail. From the local oyster-shucking competitions to the cozy farmhouses, she paints a picture so vivid you can practically taste the salt in the air. Fair warning: this book will give you serious vacation envy.
A Love Letter to Small-Town Life
There’s something magical about the way Fortune captures the rhythm of island life. The sense of community, the slower pace, the way everyone seems to know everyone else’s business (for better or worse). It’s a stark contrast to Lucy’s hectic Toronto existence, and you can feel her exhale with every page.
As someone who grew up in a small town, I found myself nodding along to so many little details. The way news travels faster than wi-fi. The unspoken rules of which table belongs to which regular at the local diner. The comfort of familiar faces and the slight wariness of newcomers. Fortune nails it all.
Growth, Choices, and Finding Your Roots
At its core, “This Summer Will Be Different” is about making choices. Big, life-altering choices that have you questioning everything you thought you knew about yourself. Lucy’s struggle to balance her career ambitions with her desire for a simpler life resonated deeply with me. How many of us have fantasized about throwing in the towel on our city jobs and opening that cute little bookshop by the sea?
But it’s not just about escaping to an idyllic setting. Fortune digs deeper, exploring themes of self-worth, taking risks, and finding the courage to pursue your passions. Lucy’s journey towards embracing her dream of owning a flower farm is both inspiring and nerve-wracking. You’ll find yourself rooting for her (pun absolutely intended) every step of the way.
The Comfort of Coming Home
There’s a beautiful thread running through the story about what it means to truly find your home. Is it a physical place? A person? A feeling? Fortune explores all these possibilities with nuance and heart.
The way Lucy gradually realizes her connection to PEI goes beyond just vacation vibes… it hit me right in the feels, not gonna lie. It’s that sensation of finally exhaling, of your shoulders dropping an inch, of thinking “oh, THIS is where I’m supposed to be.” If you’ve ever felt that pull towards a place that just feels right, you’ll get it.
Not Your Average Beach Read
Look, I love a good fluffy romance as much as the next person. But “This Summer Will Be Different” offers so much more. It’s got depth, It’s got heart. It’s got characters who feel like they could walk off the page and sit down next to you for a glass of wine (or a pint of local craft beer, because #islandlife).
Fortune has a gift for dialogue that crackles with wit and warmth. The banter between Lucy and Felix had me literally laughing out loud more than once. But she’s equally skilled at capturing those quiet, intimate moments that make your chest ache a little.
A Story That Lingers
I finished this book days ago, and I’m still thinking about it. About Lucy’s journey towards embracing her true self. About Felix’s steady presence and unwavering support. And about the way Bridget and Lucy’s friendship evolves and deepens.
It’s the kind of story that nestles into your heart and sets up camp. You’ll find yourself daydreaming about red sand beaches and quaint farmhouses. You might even start researching flower farming. (No judgment here, I may or may not have a Pinterest board dedicated to dahlia varieties now.)
The Verdict: Pack Your Bags (and This Book)
If you’re looking for a summer read that’s equal parts swoon-worthy romance and heartfelt exploration of finding your place in the world, “This Summer Will Be Different” is an absolute must-read. Carley Fortune has crafted a story that feels like a warm hug from your best friend, a passionate kiss from your summer fling, and that first breath of salty air when you reach the coast… all rolled into one delightful package.
Fair warning: you may experience an overwhelming urge to book a trip to Prince Edward Island after reading. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have some oysters to shuck and some serious life decisions to ponder. Maybe I’ll start with a reread of this lovely book.
For Fans Of…
If you loved Fortune’s previous bestsellers “Every Summer After” and “Meet Me at the Lake,” you’re in for a treat. She brings that same magic touch to “This Summer Will Be Different,” with her signature blend of swoony romance and emotional depth.
This book will also appeal to fans of:
- Emily Henry’s “Beach Read“
- Elin Hilderbrand’s Nantucket novels
- Taylor Jenkins Reid’s “Malibu Rising“
- Josie Silver’s “One Day in December”
Basically, if you like your beach reads with a side of substance and a whole lot of heart, this one’s for you.
