In my Nana downtime, I enjoy reading a good book. I just finished reading “One Golden Summer” by Carley Fortune. You may have seen the cover at Target or an airport shop, which is where I found it.
Carley Fortune is a New York Times best-selling author but I was unfamiliar with her work prior to picking up this book on my way out of town.
I always look for light reading, yet something that will keep my interest. I’m happy to say “One Golden Summer” fit the bill!
Yes, it’s a romance novel. Yes, it’s set on a lake–so many good summer reads are set on a lake. I’ve always wanted to spend a summer at a lake and I often wonder if the authors of those books actually spent time at a lake or just daydreamed about it. In this case, according to Fortune’s notes at the back of the book, she did indeed spend time at a lake during her childhood, so she’s got lots to draw from.
I hate reviews that give away a plot, so I will spare you the details of the book. I will say Fortune develops her characters and has just enough to make a good story. (I tend to lose track if there are too many characters in a book). Fortune is also a former journalist, so she writes clearly and concisely and without a lot of extra verbiage. I appreciate that!
I was able to read on the plane, put it down, pick it back up at the hotel, by the pool, etc., as I traveled, without losing the storyline.
I also appreciated that the women characters in the book weren’t too strong or too needy. And the main male character wasn’t just there for fun. He actually had a storyline.
As for romance, I’d say this is about the level of a Hallmark movie, but with just a bit of smut. I wouldn’t want my 14-year-old niece reading it, but that content is limited to just a handful of scenes in the 370-page book.
If you’re looking for easy beach reading, I’d recommend it!
