One Golden Summer

Alice begins the novel feeling burnt out and invisible in her own life. How does her return to Barry's Bay serve as a catalyst for rediscovery?

Why are Alice and Charlie initially reluctant to form a deeper emotional attachment? What's holding them both back? Were you rooting for them as a couple?

How do they both ultimately overcome their fears of vulnerability? Did their happy ever after feel earned?

Talk about the bond that develops between Nan and Charlie. What makes their relationship so delightful? What do they both bring to and get out of the friendship?

Fortune paints a vivid picture of Barry's Bay. How did the setting impact the characters? What was your favorite part of the location? Would you like to visit one summer?

Talk about the title, "One Golden Summer." Why do you think Fortune titled the book this way? What are the different meanings of "golden" here?

Did reading this book make you feel nostalgic about your own teenage summers? What were those summers like? Did you ever spend a summer at a lake location like Barry's Bay? Is there a particular teenage summer that was pivotal in a similar way to Alice's summer at age 17?

What would you put on your own summer bucket list?

Had you already read "Every Summer After" (Percy and Sam's story, which features Charlie)? If so, how did he evolve as a character between the two books? How did your perception of him change?

Also if you read "Every Summer After," we get a whole lot more of Percy and Sam. Did you enjoy the updates into how they're doing?