By Book Club Team 
“Every Summer After” Book Summary
Every Summer After by Carley Fortune is a heartwarming and emotional story about Persephone “Percy” Fraser, who spends six summers at her family’s lake house and develops a deep connection with Sam, a local boy. Their friendship blossoms into first love, but a dramatic event tears them apart. Years later, Percy returns to the lake after hearing news about Sam’s family, forcing her to confront their past and the unresolved feelings between them. The story flips between past summers and the present, exploring themes of love, regret, and second chances.
| ✍️Author | Carley Fortune |
| 📅Publication date | May 10, 2022 |
| ⭐Goodreads Rating | 4.20 |
| ✔️ISBN-10 | 0593438531 |
| 🏆Awards | Nominee for Best Romance (2022), Nominee for Best Debut Novel (2022) |
| ❔Topics | Romance, Fiction, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Adult, Young Adult, Coming Of Age, Adult Fiction |
Synopsis of “Every Summer After”
The story follows Persephone “Percy” Fraser, who spent every summer of her childhood and teenage years at her family’s lake house in Barry’s Bay, Ontario. There, she forms a close friendship with Sam, a local boy, and their relationship grows into something more over six unforgettable summers. However, something dramatic happens that causes them to break apart, leaving Percy with deep regrets.
Years later, Percy returns to Barry’s Bay for the first time in a long time after hearing some news about Sam’s family. Being back stirs up old feelings, memories, and unresolved issues. As she reconnects with Sam, the story flips between the past and present, unraveling what tore them apart and whether they can rebuild what was lost.
It’s a heartfelt story about first love, growing up, making mistakes, and the possibility of second chances. Perfect for anyone who loves an emotional rollercoaster!
Is “Every Summer After” a series?
No, Every Summer After by Carley Fortune is not part of a series. It’s a standalone novel, meaning the story is complete within one book. There’s no sequel or continuation planned as of now, which makes it perfect if you’re looking for a one-time, emotionally satisfying read!
Is “Every Summer After” spicy?
Every Summer After does have some “spicy” or steamy scenes, but it’s not an overly explicit book. The romance between Percy and Sam includes intimate moments, but they’re written in a tasteful and emotional way, focusing more on the connection between the characters rather than graphic detail. The spice adds to the emotional depth of the story rather than taking over, so it’s a good balance if you’re into romance without it being too intense or explicit.
“Every Summer After” Characters
Here’s a list of the main characters from “Every Summer After”:
- Persephone “Percy” Fraser – The protagonist who spends summers at the lake and falls in love with Sam.
- Sam Florek – Percy’s childhood friend and first love, a kind and intelligent boy with dreams of becoming a doctor.
- Charlie Florek – Sam’s older, more outgoing brother who adds complexity to the sibling dynamics.
- Sue Florek – Sam and Charlie’s loving mother, who treats Percy like family during her summers at the lake.
- Percy’s Parents – They provide the background setting for Percy’s summers, offering stability and freedom for her experiences.
- Delilah – Percy’s best friend in the present, who helps her navigate her feelings as she reconnects with Sam.
- Mason – Percy’s current boyfriend, whose relationship with her is comfortable but lacks the deep connection she had with Sam.
“Every Summer After” Plot
The plot of Every Summer After centers on Persephone “Percy” Fraser and her complicated relationship with Sam Florek, which unfolds over the course of six pivotal summers spent at her family’s lake house in Barry’s Bay, Ontario. Percy, a bookish and somewhat shy young girl, becomes friends with Sam, a local boy with dreams of becoming a doctor. Their bond quickly deepens over those idyllic summers, filled with carefree days by the lake and nights spent together, talking about everything from books to their future ambitions.
As they grow older, Percy and Sam’s friendship transforms into a deep, romantic relationship. Their connection feels unbreakable, rooted in years of shared memories and emotional intimacy. However, one impulsive and life-changing mistake shatters the bond between them, driving Percy away from Sam and the lake, leaving behind years of memories and unresolved feelings.
The novel alternates between the past, showing their slow-burn love story over those summers, and the present, where Percy is now an adult, living in the city and trying to move on from her past. Years later, she receives word that something has happened to Sam’s mother, Sue, which prompts Percy to return to Barry’s Bay for the first time in a decade. Returning to the lake stirs up old emotions, as she must confront Sam again and face the guilt and regret she has carried with her since their separation.
As Percy reconnects with Sam, the present timeline gradually reveals the details of the mistake that tore them apart, and we see Percy grappling with whether she can be forgiven. Sam, on the other hand, is also wrestling with his own feelings of hurt and betrayal. Their reunion is filled with tension, as unresolved emotions surface, but there is also the lingering connection and chemistry that was never truly lost.
Through these flashbacks and present-day interactions, the novel explores themes of love, friendship, regret, and forgiveness. Percy and Sam must come to terms with their past choices and figure out if they can rebuild their relationship—or if their mistakes have caused too much damage for reconciliation. The story is a poignant journey of first love, heartbreak, and the possibility of second chances, all wrapped up in the nostalgic setting of summers by the lake.
Key ideas
The key ideas in Every Summer After revolve around several core themes that give the story its emotional depth:
- First Love: The novel captures the intensity and innocence of first love, showing how those early feelings can leave a lasting impression, shaping who you become.
- Nostalgia: The story taps into the longing for childhood and simpler times, especially as Percy and Sam look back on their summers together at the lake.
- Regret and Mistakes: A major theme is how one impulsive mistake can alter the course of relationships and lives. Percy’s regret over her past decisions drives much of the story’s emotional tension.
- Friendship to Love: The transition from friendship to romantic love is central to the plot. It shows the complexities and blurred lines when feelings shift over time.
- Second Chances: The idea of reconciliation and whether people can truly move on from the past is explored. The story asks whether love can be rekindled after time and hurt have passed.
- Self-Discovery: As the characters grow older, they face the challenges of understanding who they are outside of their childhood relationships, with an emphasis on personal growth.
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