This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune

You know that feeling when you crack open a new book and instantly know you’re in for a treat? That’s exactly what happened when I dove into Carley Fortune’s latest novel, “This Summer Will Be Different.” From the very first page, I was transported to the sun-soaked shores of Prince Edward Island, swept up in a romance that’s equal parts sweet, steamy, and achingly real.

Fortune has a knack for capturing those little moments that make your heart flutter – the brush of a hand, a knowing glance across a crowded room, the electricity of a first kiss. And boy, does she deliver in spades with this one. Lucy and Felix’s story is the kind that’ll have you staying up way too late, frantically turning pages and maybe, just maybe, booking your own beachside getaway.

A Love Story with Layers (and Lots of Oysters)

On the surface, “This Summer Will Be Different” might seem like your typical beach read – girl meets boy, sparks fly, complications ensue. But Fortune digs deeper, exploring themes of friendship, family, and finding yourself amidst the chaos of life. It’s a romance, sure, but it’s also a story about growing up, taking risks, and learning to trust your heart.

Lucy Ashby is a Toronto florist who escapes to Prince Edward Island each summer for some R&R with her best friend, Bridget. Enter Felix Clark – local oyster shucker extraordinaire, secret bookworm, and (oops!) Bridget’s younger brother. Their initial hookup is explosive, but comes with a hefty side of guilt and a vow to never repeat it. Spoiler alert: they’re really bad at keeping that promise.

Characters That’ll Steal Your Heart (and Maybe Your Fries)

What really sets this book apart is the richness of its characters. Lucy isn’t just a rom-com heroine waiting for love to solve all her problems. She’s a complex woman struggling with her career, her family relationships, and her own sense of self-worth. Felix, too, defies the typical “hot local” stereotype. He’s got depth, dreams, and his own baggage to work through.

And can we talk about Bridget for a second? Best friend characters in romance novels can sometimes feel two-dimensional, but not here. Bridget is a force of nature—loyal, funny, and dealing with her own life upheavals. The friendship between Lucy and Bridget feels so authentic, you’ll swear you’re eavesdropping on real conversations.

Prince Edward Island: The Real Star of the Show

I’ll be honest, I’ve never been to Prince Edward Island. But after reading this book? It’s shot to the top of my travel bucket list. Fortune’s descriptions of the island are so vivid, you can practically taste the salt air and feel the sand between your toes. From quaint seaside towns to stunning red-cliff beaches, PEI becomes a character in its own right.

And the food! Oh my god, the food. I lost count of how many times my stomach growled while reading this book. Freshly shucked oysters, buttery lobster rolls, crisp vinho verde – Fortune’s culinary descriptions are mouthwatering. Fair warning: you might want to have some snacks on hand while reading.

A Romance That Sizzles (and Sometimes Stings)

Let’s get down to the good stuff, shall we? The chemistry between Lucy and Felix is off the charts. Their stolen moments crackle with tension, and when they finally give in… whew. Fortune knows how to write a steamy scene that’ll have you fanning yourself. But it’s not just about the physical – the emotional connection between these two runs deep, making their inevitable struggles all the more heart-wrenching.

What I really appreciated was how Fortune doesn’t shy away from the messiness of real relationships. Lucy and Felix’s journey isn’t all smooth sailing (pun absolutely intended). There are misunderstandings, hurt feelings, and some genuinely difficult obstacles to overcome. It makes their eventual happy ending feel all the more earned and satisfying.

More Than Just a Summer Fling

While the romance is central, “This Summer Will Be Different” tackles some weightier themes too. Lucy grapples with impostor syndrome in her career and complicated family dynamics. Felix deals with the shadow of past heartbreak and small-town expectations. There’s a thoughtful exploration of long-distance relationships and the sacrifices we make for love.

One subplot I particularly enjoyed involved Lucy’s dream of starting her own flower farm. It added another layer of depth to her character and tied in beautifully with the book’s themes of growth and putting down roots (literally and figuratively).

A Voice That’ll Make You Feel Right at Home

Carley Fortune has a writing style that feels like chatting with your wittiest, most observant friend. Her dialogue crackles with humor and authenticity. She has a gift for those little details that make a scene come alive—the way sand sticks to sunscreen-slathered skin, the satisfying ‘pop’ of opening a wine bottle, the comforting weight of a warm body next to you in bed.

There’s a breezy, effortless quality to her prose that makes the pages fly by. But don’t be fooled – underneath that easy readability is some seriously skilled storytelling. Fortune knows how to build tension, tug at your heartstrings, and deliver moments of pure joy that’ll have you grinning like an idiot (just me?).

A Few Tiny Waves in an Otherwise Smooth Sail

Look, no book is perfect, and there were a couple of minor quibbles I had. The pacing in the middle section dragged a tiny bit for my taste. And there’s one plot point involving a misunderstanding that felt a smidge contrived. But honestly? These are such small nitpicks in an otherwise delightful read.

The Verdict: Pack This in Your Beach Bag ASAP

“This Summer Will Be Different” is the kind of book that’ll have you canceling plans just so you can curl up and keep reading. It’s the perfect blend of swoony romance, genuine emotion, and summer escapism. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or dreaming of warmer days from your couch, this book is guaranteed to give you those perfect vacation vibes.

Carley Fortune has firmly established herself as a must-read author in the contemporary romance genre. If you enjoyed her previous bestsellers “Every Summer After” and “Meet Me at the Lake,” you’re in for an absolute treat with this one. And if you’re new to her work? Welcome to the fan club – we have oysters and excellent book recommendations.

Who Should Read This?

• Anyone who loves a good enemies-to-lovers romance (with a dash of forbidden love thrown in)
• Fans of beach reads with a little more substance
• Foodies who appreciate vivid culinary descriptions
• Armchair travelers dreaming of seaside escapes
• Readers who enjoy complex female friendships in their romance novels

Similar Reads to Check Out

If “This Summer Will Be Different” leaves you craving more summery romance goodness, here are a few recommendations:

• “The Summer of Broken Rules” by K.L. Walther
• “People We Meet on Vacation” by Emily Henry
• “The Summer of Lost and Found” by Mary Alice Monroe
• “28 Summers” by Elin Hilderbrand

Final Thoughts: A Summer Romance That’ll Linger Long After the Last Page

“This Summer Will Be Different” is the kind of book that’ll leave you with a warm, contented glow. It’s a reminder of the transformative power of love, the importance of taking chances, and the magic that can happen when you open your heart to new possibilities.

So grab your sunglasses, pour yourself a glass of vinho verde, and prepare to be utterly charmed by Lucy and Felix’s story. Just don’t blame me if you end up booking a spontaneous trip to Prince Edward Island afterward. Trust me, you won’t be the only one.