One Golden Summer
Book • 2025
by Carley Fortune
As featured in The New York Times ∙ People ∙ Good Morning America ∙ The Washington Post ∙ Cosmopolitan ∙ TODAY ∙ USA Today ∙ Harper's Bazaar ∙ Glamour ∙ E! News ∙ Buzzfeed ∙ ELLE ∙ Us Weekly ∙ The New York Post ∙ FIRST for Women ∙ Woman's World ∙ Katie Couric Media ∙ SheReads ∙ and more!
I never anticipated Charlie Florek.
Good things happen at the lake. That’s what Alice’s grandmother says, and it’s true. Alice spent just one summer there at a cottage with Nan when she was seventeen—it’s where she took that photo, the one of three grinning teenagers in a yellow speedboat, the image that changed her life.
Now Alice lives behind a lens. As a photographer, she’s most comfortable on the sidelines, letting other people shine. Lately though, she’s been itching for something more, and when Nan falls and breaks her hip, Alice comes up with a plan for them both: another summer in that magical place, Barry’s Bay. But as soon as they settle in, their peace is disrupted by the roar of a familiar yellow boat, and the man driving it.
Charlie Florek was nineteen when Alice took his photo from afar. Now he’s all grown up—a shameless flirt, who manages to make Nan laugh and Alice long to be seventeen again, when life was simpler, when taking pictures was just for fun. Sun-slanted days and warm nights out on the lake with Charlie are a balm for Alice’s soul, but when she looks up and sees his piercing green gaze directly on her, she begins to worry for her heart.
Because Alice sees people—that’s why she is so good at what she does—but she’s never met someone who looks and sees her right back.
One Golden Summer
Book • 2025
by Carley Fortune
As featured in The New York Times ∙ People ∙ Good Morning America ∙ The Washington Post ∙ Cosmopolitan ∙ TODAY ∙ USA Today ∙ Harper's Bazaar ∙ Glamour ∙ E! News ∙ Buzzfeed ∙ ELLE ∙ Us Weekly ∙ The New York Post ∙ FIRST for Women ∙ Woman's World ∙ Katie Couric Media ∙ SheReads ∙ and more!
I never anticipated Charlie Florek.
Good things happen at the lake. That’s what Alice’s grandmother says, and it’s true. Alice spent just one summer there at a cottage with Nan when she was seventeen—it’s where she took that photo, the one of three grinning teenagers in a yellow speedboat, the image that changed her life.
Now Alice lives behind a lens. As a photographer, she’s most comfortable on the sidelines, letting other people shine. Lately though, she’s been itching for something more, and when Nan falls and breaks her hip, Alice comes up with a plan for them both: another summer in that magical place, Barry’s Bay. But as soon as they settle in, their peace is disrupted by the roar of a familiar yellow boat, and the man driving it.
Charlie Florek was nineteen when Alice took his photo from afar. Now he’s all grown up—a shameless flirt, who manages to make Nan laugh and Alice long to be seventeen again, when life was simpler, when taking pictures was just for fun. Sun-slanted days and warm nights out on the lake with Charlie are a balm for Alice’s soul, but when she looks up and sees his piercing green gaze directly on her, she begins to worry for her heart.
Because Alice sees people—that’s why she is so good at what she does—but she’s never met someone who looks and sees her right back.
Bara says...
Ages 14+, but every child is different
The content features themes of adult romantic attraction, emotional vulnerability, and intergenerational caretaking appropriate for high school teens. Younger audiences may lack the developmental maturity to fully engage with the reflective, character-driven nature of these life transitions.
Content Safety Breakdown
Detailed breakdown of potentially concerning content
Sex & Nudity
The story centers on a romantic summer rekindling, featuring romantic tension, emotional longing, and scenes of flirting between the leads. There is no explicit content, but the focus on developing a romantic relationship is central to the plot.
Violence & Gore
There is no physical violence or conflict; the narrative focus remains entirely on character relationships and personal reflection during a summer getaway.
Profanity
The dialogue is generally clean, though there are occasional instances of mild language such as "h*ll" or "d*mn" used in casual banter. This language occurs infrequently and remains conversational in nature.
Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking
Substance use is limited to casual or social settings, such as having a drink while relaxing by the lake, which is consistent with the adult summer vacation environment.
Frightening Scenes
There are no frightening or intense scenes, as the tone is consistent with a lighthearted and reflective contemporary romance.
Key Insights
Quick summary and important considerations
This is a thoughtful story about a woman spending time with family and learning how to step out from behind the scenes to take charge of her own life.
Detailed Analysis
In-depth insights for parents and educators
What Parents Need to Know
The story centers on adult romantic tension and courtship; expect flirtatious dialogue and themes surrounding the complexities of long-term relationship building.
What Kids Can Learn
Developing the confidence to move from a passive observer of life to an active participant.
Key Topics Discussed
Why Parents Might Like It
Offers an atmospheric, character-focused narrative that explores maturity, life transitions, and the emotional resonance of nostalgia.
Positives & Learning
What makes this content valuable for children
Positive Messages
Emphasizes the importance of vulnerability, pursuing personal passions, and nurturing intergenerational relationships.
Positive Role Models
The protagonist demonstrates self-awareness and accountability, while the grandmother figure exhibits resilience and a life-affirming perspective.
Diverse Representations
No diverse representation indicated in available information.
Educational Value
Highlights the practice of photography as a tool for observation and emotional expression.
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