This Summer Will Be Different Review
I’m starting to learn that there’s a certain rhythm to Carley Fortune’s books. There’s always a summer beach setting, a dual timeline, and a second chance love story. While this repeated premise can seem like the same story told over and over, somehow, Fortune writes each novel in a way that feels consistently fresh and new. When I picked up this third book, I knew that I would be in for a summer romance full of longing, warmth, and beautiful scenery. I’m happy to report that I was not disappointed! Here is my This Summer Will be Different review.
The Plot
Lucy has traveled to her best friend’s hometown of Prince Edward Island every summer for as long as they’ve been friends. There’s something about the salty air, welcoming community, and breathtaking scenery that feels like home. When her first day on the island leads to an unforgettable night with a handsome stranger, it seems like fate. Until she finds out he’s her best friend’s little brother– and totally off limits. In the years that follow, Lucy does everything in her power to avoid Felix Clark, for the sake of her friendship and for the sake of her heart. But, some things are meant to be, and Felix and Lucy can only avoid each other, and their feelings, for so long.
Review
about Lucy…
This Summer Will be Different takes place on picturesque Prince Edward Island, and features a heroine who is trying desperately to do everything right while feeling a little lost. Lucy reminded me a little bit of Harriet from Emily Henry’s Happy Place. Both characters have chosen careers that they initially thought they’d love, but are struggling with whether they made the right choice. I understood Lucy’s indecision and fear of making the wrong choice, but I grew frustrated with how she attempted to solve everything herself. Naturally, this created unnecessary conflict and miscommunication. Basically, much of Lucy’s struggles could have been fixed by a conversation with her nearest and dearest. Maybe also with a touch of therapy. But, if things were solved so easily, we wouldn’t have enough drama for a novel, I guess.
In the end, Lucy decides to take a leap of faith in her work life and in love. I loved that she had the courage to live her life on her own terms, even if it was different from how she initially imagined. She grew as a character, was able to accept help at work, and was brave enough to take a risk to develop her dream of a cut flower farm. I also loved that this path was not easy. In so many novels, a character decides to make a drastic career change and everything falls into place perfectly. Lucy’s journey showed the time, dedication, and sacrifice it takes to work at a dream.
about the Romance…
This was a quintessential will they/won’t they romance full of secret rendezvous, sexual tension, and flirtatious quips. Like in all the Carley Fortune novels before, this book builds upon the relationship in the form of flashbacks. We get to see Lucy and Felix through the years, and this added insight into their history made me feel more invested in their love. Although they’ve shared a connection over the years, their relationship remained rather superficial. Until, in the present, we get to see that they have grown into two people who are capable and ready to truly be together. After spending so much time being the right people at the wrong time, the circumstances finally align.
By the end of the novel, their love story felt unfinished. Lucy’s cut flower farm was in very beginning stages, she had not fully moved to PEI, and she and Felix were taking things day by day. And yet, this didn’t take away from the happy ending. This brought a refreshing sense of realism that had me happily imagining how their relationship is continuing to grow after the final page. Anyway, what is life but a story unfinished?
Tropes
Forced Proximity, Forbidden Love, Best Friend’s Brother, Found Family
You May Also Like…
Happy Place by Emily Henry
Cruel Winter with You by Ali Hazelwood
*Readers should note, this one is Rated R.
Xx, M
