Through the Lens of Memory

Alice Everly, a thirty-something Toronto photographer, is haunted by a photograph she took at seventeen: three sun-kissed teens in a yellow boat, captured during a golden summer at Barry's Bay. The image, full of longing and freedom, becomes a touchstone for Alice's creative life and emotional memory. Now, burned out and reeling from a breakup, Alice is called home by her grandmother Nan's accident. As she cares for Nan, Alice is drawn back to the lake, hoping to rekindle both her grandmother's spirit and her own lost spark. The photograph is both a literal and metaphorical frame for the story—a moment of innocence and possibility that Alice yearns to recapture.

Burnout and Broken Hearts

Alice's professional life is a grind: she's a sought-after photographer, but her creative vision is constantly compromised by commercial demands. Her recent breakup with Trevor, a man she thought she'd marry, leaves her hollow. She's exhausted, disconnected, and feels invisible in her own life. When Nan shatters her hip, Alice's sense of duty and love compels her to step away from work. The city's relentless pace and her family's chaos—her high-achieving sister Heather, the wild twins, and her absent mother—underscore Alice's need for escape and healing.

Nan's Fall, Alice's Pause

Nan's injury is a catalyst. As Alice tends to her fiercely independent grandmother, she's forced to slow down and reflect. Nan, once Alice's creative muse, is now vulnerable and withdrawn, mourning lost friends and her own aging. Alice's memories of their shared summers at Barry's Bay resurface, along with the ache for a simpler, more authentic life. The idea of returning to the lake—Nan's favorite place—emerges as a way to heal them both. The lake becomes a symbol of renewal, nostalgia, and the possibility of transformation.

Return to Barry's Bay

Alice arranges for her and Nan to spend the summer at John and Joyce's old cottage on Kamaniskeg Lake. The logistics are complicated, but the promise of two months away from the city's demands is irresistible. As Alice prepares for the trip, she's forced to confront the remnants of her past—Trevor's belongings, her own self-doubt, and the expectations of her family. The journey north is both literal and emotional, as Alice and Nan leave behind old wounds and step into the unknown, hoping the lake will work its magic once more.

The Boy Across the Bay

At the lake, Alice is greeted by the familiar sights and sounds of her youth. But it's the reappearance of the yellow boat—and its owner, Charlie Florek—that jolts her. Charlie, once the golden boy in her iconic photo, is now a grown man: charming, cocky, and unexpectedly kind. He's the local handyman, but also a successful Bay Street trader on sabbatical, hiding his own scars. Their first encounters are full of banter, mishaps, and undeniable chemistry. Charlie's presence stirs up old fantasies and new possibilities, challenging Alice's self-perception and her guarded heart.

Summer Bucket List

Inspired by her teenage self, Alice creates a summer bucket list: jump off the rock, wear a skimpy swimsuit, kiss a cute guy, make bad art, and more. The list is both playful and poignant—a roadmap for reclaiming joy, risk, and self-expression. With Nan's encouragement and Charlie's teasing support, Alice begins to check off items, each one pushing her further out of her comfort zone. The list becomes a narrative device for growth, connection, and the rediscovery of pleasure in the everyday.

City Girl Meets Charlie

Alice and Charlie's relationship unfolds through witty repartee, shared projects, and mutual vulnerability. Charlie helps Alice and Nan adapt the cottage, cooks for them, and becomes Nan's unexpected confidant. Their dynamic is electric but complicated: both are wary of commitment, shaped by past hurts and the fear of loss. Charlie's reputation as a heartbreaker precedes him, but his actions reveal depth and tenderness. Their friendship deepens as they share secrets, support each other's ambitions, and navigate the messy realities of family and healing.

Old Photos, New Beginnings

Alice rediscovers the photo album from her first summer at the lake, reliving the moments that shaped her. The iconic photo of the yellow boat becomes a bridge between then and now, as she realizes Charlie was the boy she watched from afar. Their shared history, once unknown, adds layers of meaning to their growing intimacy. As Alice photographs the summer's unfolding story—Nan's recovery, Charlie's laughter, her own transformation—she begins to reclaim her artistic voice, shooting for herself rather than for clients.

Flirtation and Friendship

Alice and Charlie's flirtation intensifies, oscillating between playful and profound. They become partners in adventure—swimming, boating, making pierogi, and even getting high with Nan. Their physical attraction simmers, but both hesitate to cross the line into romance. Alice fears repeating old patterns of losing herself in relationships; Charlie, haunted by family tragedy and his own health fears, resists vulnerability. Their connection is undeniable, but the risk of heartbreak looms.

Family, Healing, and Laughter

The summer is a tapestry of family moments: Nan's resilience, Alice's siblings visiting, and the intergenerational bonds that sustain them. Nan's story of lost love and forgiveness with John mirrors Alice's own journey. Charlie's family—his brother Sam, sister-in-law Percy, and their coming baby—add warmth and complexity. Through shared meals, games, and confessions, Alice learns to accept help, set boundaries, and embrace imperfection. Laughter, creativity, and honest conversation become the glue that holds them together.

Kisses, Confessions, and Fears

Alice and Charlie finally give in to their attraction, sharing passionate, vulnerable moments in the tree house, the darkroom, and the lake. Their physical connection is electric, but emotional barriers remain. Charlie's reluctance to commit is rooted in deep-seated fears: his father's early death, his own heart condition, and the belief that he's "not built for love." Alice, emboldened by the summer's growth, confesses her feelings and asks for more. Charlie, terrified of burdening her with his mortality, pushes her away, breaking both their hearts.

The Truth Behind the Smile

Back in the city, Alice tries to move on, focusing on her art and family. But when she learns that Charlie has undergone major heart surgery—a secret he kept to protect her—she rushes to his side. Their reunion is raw and honest, as Charlie reveals the truth behind his self-sabotage: he loves Alice deeply but feared she'd be trapped by his illness and eventual decline. Alice, refusing to let fear dictate her life, insists that love is worth the risk. Their reconciliation is hard-won, built on mutual acceptance and the courage to be seen.

Heartbreak and Healing

Alice's journey is one of self-acceptance and agency. She learns to ask for help, to set boundaries with her family, and to pursue her own creative vision. Her relationship with Nan, her siblings, and her mother deepens as they all confront aging, regret, and the need for forgiveness. Charlie, too, heals—physically and emotionally—embracing his vulnerability and allowing himself to be loved. Together, they build a new foundation, rooted in honesty, laughter, and shared dreams.

The Darkroom Revelation

The darkroom becomes a crucible for Alice's transformation. Developing photos from the summer, she sees herself—and Charlie—clearly for the first time. The images capture not just moments, but the emotional truth of their journey: longing, joy, fear, and love. Alice's decision to show her work in a solo exhibition is an act of bravery, a declaration that she is worthy of being seen, flaws and all. The act of photographing and being photographed becomes a metaphor for intimacy, risk, and the beauty of imperfection.

Love in the Light

A year later, Alice and Charlie are together—partners in life, love, and art. Their families are blended, their wounds are healing, and their dreams are expanding. Alice's solo show is a triumph, celebrating the people and moments that shaped her. The iconic photo of the yellow boat hangs alongside new images of Nan, Charlie, and herself—testaments to growth, resilience, and the power of being truly seen. The lake remains a place of magic and memory, a reminder that good things happen when we dare to live with open hearts.

Characters

Alice Everly

Alice is a talented but burnt-out photographer, defined by her sensitivity, perfectionism, and deep longing for connection. Raised in a chaotic, loving family, she's the "turtle"—the quiet, reliable one who puts others first. Her creative spark is reignited by returning to Barry's Bay, where she confronts her fears of invisibility, failure, and heartbreak. Alice's journey is one of self-discovery: learning to set boundaries, embrace imperfection, and ask for what she wants. Her relationship with Charlie challenges her to risk vulnerability and claim her own happiness. By summer's end, Alice is transformed—more confident, creative, and open to love.

Charlie Florek

Charlie is the golden boy of Barry's Bay: handsome, witty, and seemingly carefree. Beneath his bravado lies deep grief—his father's early death, his mother's illness, and his own congenital heart condition. Charlie's fear of loss and being a burden leads him to avoid commitment, using humor and flirtation as armor. His connection with Alice is immediate and profound, but he resists love out of self-protection. Charlie's arc is about learning to accept help, confront his mortality, and believe he is worthy of lasting happiness. His vulnerability, kindness, and devotion make him a truly remarkable partner.

Nan (Nanette Everly)

Nan is Alice's beloved grandmother, a creative force who nurtured Alice's artistic gifts. Fiercely independent, practical, and wise, Nan faces aging and loss with grace and humor. Her fall and subsequent recovery mirror Alice's own journey: both must learn to accept help, forgive themselves, and find joy in the present. Nan's friendship with John, her willingness to reconcile, and her encouragement of Alice's dreams are central to the novel's themes of healing and generational connection.

Heather Everly

Heather is Alice's older sister—a high-powered lawyer, single mother, and unapologetic extrovert. She pushes Alice to take risks, embrace her beauty, and fight for her dreams. Heather's own struggles with divorce and motherhood add depth to her character, revealing vulnerability beneath her bravado. Her relationship with Alice is a source of comic relief, tough love, and unwavering support.

Sam Florek

Sam is Charlie's younger brother, a cardiologist whose calm, responsible nature contrasts with Charlie's impulsiveness. Sam's marriage to Percy, their shared history, and the impending birth of their child provide a model of enduring love and forgiveness. Sam's medical expertise and emotional steadiness are crucial during Charlie's health crisis, and his acceptance of Charlie's past mistakes is a testament to the power of family.

Percy Florek

Percy is Sam's wife and Charlie's longtime friend. Her history with both brothers is complex, but her loyalty and compassion are unwavering. Percy's pregnancy, her support of Alice, and her role as a bridge between past and present make her a grounding presence. She encourages both men to be honest and open, modeling the kind of vulnerability that leads to healing.

Nan's Family (Luca, Lavinia, Bennett, Alice's Mom and Dad)

Alice's family is a source of both stress and strength. The twins, Luca and Lavinia, are free spirits; Bennett, Heather's daughter, is a sensitive teen; Alice's parents are divorced but supportive. Their interactions—full of teasing, affection, and occasional drama—highlight the importance of chosen and biological family in weathering life's storms.

John Kalinski

John is Nan's lifelong friend and the owner of the cottage. His history with Nan and Joyce, his willingness to let go of the past, and his generosity in offering the cottage are pivotal. John's story with Nan mirrors Alice and Charlie's: the need to confront regret, seek forgiveness, and embrace second chances.

Harrison Singh

Harrison is Charlie's childhood friend and a potential love interest for Alice. Kind, creative, and emotionally intelligent, Harrison represents the possibility of safe, uncomplicated romance. His friendship with both Alice and Charlie adds depth to the community at the lake.

Elyse Cho

Elyse is Alice's former photography instructor and now a gallery owner. She pushes Alice to pursue her own vision, challenges her to take risks, and ultimately supports her decision to step back from the show. Elyse embodies the importance of artistic integrity and the courage to be seen.

Plot Devices

The Photograph as Memory and Motif

The iconic photo of three teens in a yellow boat is both a literal object and a metaphor for longing, nostalgia, and the search for meaning. It recurs throughout the novel, linking past and present, and serves as a catalyst for Alice's journey. The act of photographing—and being photographed—becomes a symbol of vulnerability, intimacy, and the desire to be truly seen.

The Summer Bucket List

Alice's list of dares and dreams provides a narrative spine for the summer. Each item—jumping off the rock, kissing a cute guy, making bad art—marks a step in her transformation. The list is both a return to innocence and a leap into adulthood, allowing Alice to reclaim agency, joy, and self-expression.

Dual Timelines and Flashbacks

The story weaves together Alice's memories of her first summer at the lake with her current experiences. Flashbacks deepen character motivation, reveal hidden connections, and underscore the cyclical nature of healing and growth. The interplay of then and now enriches the emotional stakes and highlights the enduring impact of formative moments.

Dialogue and Banter

Alice and Charlie's relationship is built on sharp, playful dialogue that masks deeper fears and desires. Their banter is both a source of humor and a shield against vulnerability. As they grow closer, their conversations become more honest, allowing for true intimacy and mutual understanding.

Symbolism of the Lake and Cottage

Barry's Bay is more than a backdrop—it's a living, breathing force that shapes the characters' journeys. The lake represents freedom, possibility, and the passage of time; the cottage is a sanctuary for healing, creativity, and connection. The natural world mirrors the characters' emotional landscapes, offering solace and inspiration.

Foreshadowing and Secrets

Charlie's health issues, his reluctance to commit, and the unresolved histories of Nan and John are foreshadowed through subtle clues and withheld information. The gradual revelation of secrets—Charlie's heart condition, Nan's past with John—creates suspense and emotional payoff, reinforcing the novel's themes of honesty and courage.

Analysis

One Golden Summer is a luminous exploration of love, loss, and the courage to be seen. Carley Fortune crafts a narrative that is both deeply romantic and psychologically astute, using the lens of photography to examine how we frame our own stories and hide behind curated images. The novel's greatest strength lies in its nuanced portrayal of vulnerability: Alice and Charlie are both wounded, both afraid, but their willingness to risk heartbreak is what ultimately sets them free. The intergenerational threads—Nan's wisdom, the healing of old friendships, the messy beauty of family—add richness and resonance. The summer bucket list, at first a whimsical device, becomes a manifesto for living fully, embracing imperfection, and choosing joy. In a world obsessed with perfection and productivity, One Golden Summer is a reminder that the most meaningful art—and love—emerges when we dare to show up as our truest selves, flaws and all. The novel's lesson is clear: good things happen when we let ourselves be seen, and when we choose connection over fear.

Last updated: May 6, 2025