Are you a fan of romantic comedy films from their golden era, the ones in the late 1980s through the 2000s? I absolutely adore that period, and One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune gave me that same nostalgic feeling while reading. It carries that familiar rom-com energy that let the story sweep you away.
Fortune starts the novel and pulled me in immediately. I genuinely had no idea where the story was headed, and that mix of uncertainty and classic rom-com charm made it so much fun. I kept turning the pages, curious and entertained, wondering how everything would unfold.
As the story moved into the middle and toward the end, my excitement began to soften. The plot lost some of its surprising, funny spark, and the pacing felt more predictable. There were still enjoyable moments scattered throughout, yet the strong momentum from the beginning didn’t fully sustain itself.
Although it’s a contemporary romance, some of the writing caught me off guard in the best way. A few lines carried the kind of depth and beauty I usually associate with literary fiction. Those passages added an extra layer to the story and gave it more emotional resonance than I expected going in.
It’s an easy and enjoyable summer read, even though I actually read it in the middle of frozen winter. Somehow, it still brought that warm, sunlit feeling with it. The story opens strong and carries those nostalgic rom-com vibes that make you smile and settle in comfortably.
My Favorite Bits
- I’m not a combative person, but even if I were, I’m too worn down to argue. It takes a lot of energy to be on all day, and I’ve been on for so long, I suspect my off button is broken.
- I told myself if I worked hard enough, I’d reach the end of the rainbow and be rewarded with a windfall of artistic freedom. But the rainbow never ends. I’m stuck.
- I’m lucky to have so much past, so many memories. It’s a gift to age.
- I think of all the times in my life when I’ve stayed quiet because it was more comfortable than speaking up.
- That’s why you should grab onto whatever makes you happy now and hold on for as long as you can. Life’s short.
Author: Carley Fortune
Publication date: 6 May 2025
Number of pages: 401 pages
Leave a Reply