Carley Fortune, renowned for her blockbuster romance novels, has unveiled that her upcoming sixth book, “Only in Summer,” is set to hit the shelves on May 18, 2027. This latest installment will transport readers back to the familiar setting of Barry’s Bay, Ont., a location featured in her previous works, “Every Summer After” and “One Golden Summer,” as well as the town of her upbringing.
In a recent newsletter announcement, Fortune shared her inspiration for the new book, revealing that she purchased a cottage near Barry’s Bay just before embarking on the writing journey. This lakeside retreat fulfills her long-held dream of owning a cottage following the sale of her family home by the lake.
The protagonist of “Only in Summer” is Eleanor Florek, also known as Ellie, who harbors a similar aspiration to own property in Barry’s Bay. Ellie, the cousin of Charlie and Sam from Fortune’s earlier Barry’s Bay tales, returns to her childhood town with the intention of purchasing her own piece of paradise. However, her plans are disrupted when a neighboring house is demolished to make way for a grand mansion, sparking unexpected events that hint at a budding romance against the picturesque lake backdrop.
Fortune, a writer and journalist based in Toronto, boasts an impressive editorial background with stints at Refinery29, The Globe and Mail, Chatelaine, and Toronto Life. Her repertoire includes previous works such as “Our Perfect Storm,” “One Golden Summer,” “Every Summer After,” “This Summer Will Be Different,” and “Meet Me at the Lake.”
“Meet Me at the Lake” was a notable contender on Canada Reads in 2024, championed by fashion influencer and model Mirian Njoh, marking the first romance novel to grace the show’s stage. Furthermore, the adaptation of “Every Summer After” into the Amazon Prime Video series “Every Year After” has been renewed for a second season, drawing inspiration from “One Golden Summer.” Additionally, Netflix Canada is in the process of adapting “This Summer Will Be Different” into a 10-episode series.
The forthcoming release of “Only in Summer” promises an enchanting tale of love and intrigue against the backdrop of Barry’s Bay, capturing the essence of Fortune’s signature romance storytelling.