Carley Fortune

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

"I bet you're not like anyone else, Alice Everly."

I pride myself on being a solid friend, a helpful sister, the good daughter. But for the man I loved? I would have done anything.

Today I am seventeen, but sometimes I wonder if I even exist.

I feel like human glitter, shimmering effervescence. Like nothing is wrong, like nothing could go wrong under this roof with Charlie.

“I’ve always wanted to be someone different, someone who could talk to cute boys and race around in a yellow boat”

 “I like the person you are. I wouldn't change a thing"

"I see you together, and it reminds me of what it felt like to fall in love."

Because for once in my life, I dont feel like I'm on the sidelines. For once, I'm in the photo. 

“I saw a man who couldn’t keep his eyes off you. A man who hasn't looked so happy in a very long time. I saw a man who finally found the kind of person he always wanted for himself. A best friend. A smart-ass. A brilliant, talented, caring woman, who deserves so much more than me." 

"I knew the day you crashed John's boat that you were going to be trouble for me. I should have kept my distance, but I couldn't stay away. And the more I got to know you, the more beautiful and terrifying it became. Until I knew I’d finally found the person I've been waiting for." 

"I want to make you laugh that witchy laugh. And I want to be there for you when you cry. I’ll bake all your birthday cakes. I want to tell you dirty things and watch you blush. I want to see every photo you take and tell you how brilliant you are. I want to get to know your whole family. I want to hear all of your jokes. I want to spend summers in the lake with you and winters in the city. I want to run your errands, and buy you expensive soap”

One Golden Summer quotes

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