Book Review: Every Summer After by Carley Fortune

Every Summer After by Carley Fortune is a stunning and poignant coming-of-age novel that explores themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. Set in the small town of Crystal Beach, Ontario, the story follows Emma Harris as she navigates the complexities of adolescence and the weight of family secrets.

The novel opens with Emma’s family vacation, where she meets Lucas, a charming and enigmatic boy who captures her heart. Their connection is immediate and intense, but just as summer ends, Lucas mysteriously disappears, leaving Emma heartbroken and longing for answers. As the years pass, Emma’s search for Lucas becomes intertwined with her own search for identity and meaning.

The author, Carley Fortune, brilliantly captures the nuances of teenage emotions, portraying Emma as a relatable and layered protagonist. Fortune’s writing is evocative and lyrical, immersing readers in the beauty and nostalgia of summer. The setting of Crystal Beach is vividly depicted, with its picturesque beaches and small-town charm, serving as a backdrop to Emma’s emotional journey.

One of the most compelling aspects of Every Summer After is its exploration of family dynamics. Emma’s relationship with her parents is complex, as she grapples with her mother’s secrets and her father’s emotional distance. Through these interactions, Fortune delves into the impact of secrets and the consequences they can have on individuals and their relationships.

Fortune also skillfully weaves in themes of grief and loss, as Emma copes with the absence of Lucas and the weight of unanswered questions. The novel explores the different ways people process grief and highlights the importance of finding closure and healing. Through Emma’s journey, readers are reminded of the power of resilience and the strength that can be found in vulnerability.

The pacing of Every Summer After is steady, with a perfect balance of introspection and plot development. The narrative alternates between Emma’s present-day search for Lucas and her memories of their time together, creating a sense of nostalgia and anticipation. The mystery surrounding Lucas’s disappearance adds an element of suspense, keeping readers engaged until the very end.

Overall, Every Summer After is a beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that will resonate with readers of all ages. Carley Fortune’s ability to capture the complexities of human emotions and relationships is commendable. This book is an absolute must-read, offering a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the power of self-discovery.

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