Every Summer After

Really good book!

5 Star... this was so well written and gave me all the emotions!

“Some people are lucky like that. They meet their best friend, the love of their life, and are wise enough never to let go.” When Percy Fraser receives an unexpected call, she is transported back to her summer at Barry's Bay with Sam Florek. Their relationship, which evolved from friendship to romance over six summers, ended abruptly, and she hasn't seen him in over twelve years. Now, while attending her friend's mother's funeral in Barry's Bay, she questions whether she can repair their fractured relationship. The book alternates between past and present, a structure that I found effective and easy to follow. The earlier chapters, in particular, drew me in with their detailed insights into Percy and Sam's relationship. Their bond is immediate—from innocent childhood friendship to adolescent years filled with sweet moments, awkwardness, teenage angst, jealousy, insecurities, and miscommunication—yet always rooted in love. The nostalgic depiction of summers by the lake and in Barry's Bay, Canada, was skillfully done, with Carley's vivid descriptions transporting me there. I liked Percy and Sam, both as a couple and as individual characters. Neither is flawless; both make mistakes. Supporting characters like Sam's mother, Sue, and Percy's best friend, Delilah, added depth to the story. Characters like Taylor seemed more like plot devices. I enjoyed Charlie, Sam's brother, who brought humour to the story, though I wish his feelings had been explored more; I inferred them from the context. The revelation of what caused Percy and Sam's separation is reserved for the ending, with some foreshadowing earlier. The present-day chapters felt somewhat rushed compared to the past, which made me feel less connected to the current Percy and Sam, and the conclusion was quick. Although it contains some familiar tropes, Carley's vibrant storytelling kept me engaged. Some readers might find it hard to forgive Percy for her delayed actions, but I appreciated that both characters made mistakes driven by intense emotions at a young age. While not without flaws, this book is worth considering if you enjoy second-chance romances and childhood friends turning into lovers.

I did not find this story enjoyable as a whole. The flashbacks were great but if someone really is your "soulmate" and you don't talk to them for 12 years after a teenage mistake....I don't believe you honestly believe they are your soulmate.

This books was cute! It goes back and forth between the past and present. I loved the past storyline the most, but understood the present and how it was necessary for the overall story. I would like a book with just the older brother if that’s an option lol and his whole story. It was. Nice easy read.