Carley Fortune Books in Order (Plus Where to Start)
If you’re in the mood for a romance that feels like summer bottled up – nostalgic, emotional, and a little bittersweet – Carley Fortune is one of those authors you read for the feeling as much as the story.
Her books lean into second chances, missed timing, and that ache of “what could have been,” all wrapped in lake days, small towns, and quiet moments that hit harder than you expect. They’re the kind of romances you don’t rush through – you sit in them.
If you loved the emotional pull of stories like Every Summer After, you’ll want to browse my books like Every Summer After list for more reads with that same nostalgic, slow-burn feel.
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Where to Start with Carley Fortune
Start here if you want her most popular, widely loved book:
Every Summer After
This is the book that introduced so many readers to her writing. It’s emotional, nostalgic, and perfectly captures that “summer you never forget” feeling. Plus, it’s been made into a TV series.
Start here if you want the most emotional, character-driven read:
This Summer Will Be Different
This one leans deeper into longing and emotional tension. If you love quiet, aching romance that builds over time, this is where I’d point you.
Start here if you want her strongest, most refined story:
One Golden Summer
This feels like her at her best – everything she does well (emotion, setting, chemistry) just lands even stronger here. It’s the follow-up to Every Summer After.
My Favorite Carley Fortune Books (Ranked)
This Summer Will Be Different
This is the one that stayed with me. It’s emotional without being heavy, and the slow build of tension makes the payoff feel incredibly satisfying. I wanted to book the first flight to Prince Edward Island after reading this one.
One Golden Summer
This feels like a more polished version of her style that gives the same nostalgic setting, but with stronger emotional depth and a romance that really lands.
Every Summer After
The definition of a nostalgic summer romance. It’s the kind of book that makes you feel everything a little more intensely while you’re reading it.
Not sure what to read next?
If you want romance books that are actually worth your time (not just trending), I share my best reads, new releases, and can’t-miss recommendations every week.
Carley Fortune Books in Order
- Every Summer After (2022)
- Meet Me At the Lake (2023)
- This Summer Will Be Different (2024)
- One Golden Summer (2025)
- Our Perfect Storm (2026)
Ready for More Emotional, Summer-set Romance?
If you want more of her signature nostalgic, slow-burn love stories, you can browse her full catalog here:
If You Like Carley Fortune, Try These Authors
- Emily Henry
If you love Carley Fortune for the emotional depth and sense of place, Emily Henry gives you that same immersive, character-driven storytelling—but with a bit more humor layered into the relationships.
- Abby Jimenez
For readers who come to Carley Fortune for the emotional payoff. Abby Jimenez delivers that same heartfelt, “feel it in your chest” romance, often with a slightly more plot-driven arc.
- Annabel Monaghan
If you like the nostalgic tone and quieter, reflective moments in Carley Fortune’s books, Annabel Monaghan leans into that same emotional softness with a bit more humor and everyday realism.
- Elsie Silver
If you want the emotional pull and strong romantic tension but with more heat and small-town energy, Elsie Silver delivers that same “can’t stop reading” feeling with higher-stakes chemistry.
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