This Summer Will Be Different Summary, Characters and Themes
This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune, published in 2024 is a captivating modern romance novel that explores the complexities of love, friendship, and self-discovery. The story follows Lucy “Bee” Ashby, a young woman who finds herself caught between her deepening feelings for her best friend’s brother, Felix, and the need to maintain her lifelong friendship with Bridget.
Set against the picturesque backdrop of Prince Edward Island, this novel weaves together moments of heartache, passion, and personal growth as Lucy navigates the challenges of balancing her dreams with the realities of life and love.
Summary
Lucy “Bee” Ashby, 24, heads to Prince Edward Island (PEI) for a much-needed getaway with her best friend, Bridget Clark. Bridget, a native of PEI, invites Lucy to stay at her family’s beach house, Summer Wind, and sets a few ground rules: indulge in the island’s famous oysters, leave city worries behind, and—most importantly—stay away from her younger brother, Felix, whom she affectionately calls “Wolf.”
However, fate intervenes when Lucy, waiting for Bridget’s delayed arrival, has an unexpected encounter with a charming oyster shucker named Felix. They share a passionate night together, only for Lucy to discover the next morning that Felix is the very brother she’s supposed to avoid.
Shocked and determined to keep the incident a secret, Lucy makes Felix promise not to tell Bridget.
The narrative shifts back and forth in time, revealing Lucy’s life over the next five years. After returning to Toronto, Lucy takes over her aunt Stacy’s floral business, In Bloom. Bridget, meanwhile, gets engaged and moves out, though their friendship remains strong. Despite Bridget’s warnings, Lucy and Felix’s relationship evolves with each visit to PEI, growing more intense each time.
Lucy learns that Bridget’s disapproval stems from Felix’s previous relationship with Joy, a childhood friend who broke off their engagement, leaving Bridget feeling betrayed and protective.
As Lucy nears her 28th birthday, her world is shattered by Stacy’s death from cancer. Bridget, unable to join her, sends Lucy back to PEI for solace.
There, Lucy finds comfort in Felix’s company, and their connection deepens beyond mere physical attraction. But overwhelmed by grief and the fear of damaging her friendship with Bridget, Lucy pulls away from Felix, leaving him confused and hurt.
In the present, Lucy is swamped with preparations for Bridget’s wedding while managing the flourishing In Bloom. Her secret longing to leave the business for a cut-flower farm remains just that—a secret. When Bridget urgently calls Lucy to PEI without explanation, Lucy reluctantly agrees, despite her unease about seeing Felix again.
On the island, Lucy’s attempts to avoid Felix prove futile, as they’re constantly drawn together while supporting Bridget. The tension between them escalates as Lucy grows increasingly frustrated with Bridget’s silence about what’s troubling her.
As the wedding date looms, Lucy’s frustration boils over, leading to a heated argument with Bridget.
Distraught, Lucy flees to the beach, where Felix follows and confesses his love for her. Surprised by his feelings, Lucy admits she feels the same. When they return to Summer Wind, they find Miles has arrived to reconcile with Bridget.
With wedding preparations back on track, Lucy and Felix decide to explore a real relationship.
In the final days before the wedding, Bridget finally opens up to Lucy, revealing that she and Miles are moving to Australia after the wedding. Lucy, in turn, confesses her ongoing relationship with Felix, and to her surprise, Bridget already knew.
The two friends reconcile, and after the wedding, Lucy returns to Toronto to reconsider her future. She buys land on PEI, where she plans to start her dream cut-flower farm. Three months later, she reconnects with Felix, moves to PEI, and they begin building a life together.
The novel closes with a joyful celebration of love, friendship, and new beginnings, as Lucy looks forward to the future with Felix by her side.
Characters
Lucy “Bee” Ashby
Lucy Ashby, the protagonist of the novel, is a 24-year-old woman at the beginning of the story. Her journey unfolds over five years. Initially, Lucy appears as a typical young adult navigating the early stages of adulthood, with all its excitement, uncertainties, and pressures.
Her character is defined by a mix of spontaneity and cautiousness. The spontaneous side of Lucy is evident in her initial fling with Felix, which sparks a complicated romantic journey. On the other hand, her cautiousness is reflected in her deep concern for maintaining her friendship with Bridget, leading her to hide her relationship with Felix.
As the story progresses, Lucy’s character deepens. Her inheritance of her aunt Stacy’s florist business, In Bloom, signals a shift toward responsibility and personal growth. The business becomes both a source of stability and a burden, as Lucy struggles to balance her professional life with her personal desires.
Lucy’s journey is also marked by grief and loss, particularly after Stacy’s death. This event becomes a turning point for her, leading her to realize her deeper feelings for Felix and sparking her eventual move toward independence and self-discovery.
Lucy’s inner conflict is a central theme in the novel. She is torn between her love for Felix and her fear of jeopardizing her friendship with Bridget. Her growth is marked by her eventual decision to pursue her own happiness, even if it means risking other relationships.
This decision is emblematic of her broader journey toward self-realization, where she learns to prioritize her own needs and dreams, such as her aspiration to start a cut-flower farm.
By the end of the novel, Lucy emerges as a more self-assured and independent individual, ready to embrace the future with Felix and her new life on Prince Edward Island.
Felix “Wolf” Clark
Felix Clark, often referred to as “Wolf,” is a complex character whose role in the novel evolves from being a mysterious and attractive love interest to a pivotal figure in Lucy’s life. Initially introduced as a handsome oyster shucker, Felix’s first encounter with Lucy is marked by casual, physical attraction.
However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Felix is far more than just a fleeting romantic interest. Felix’s character is shaped by his past, particularly his broken engagement with Joy, who was once a close friend of his sister, Bridget.
This past relationship casts a shadow over his interactions with Lucy, as it explains Bridget’s protective attitude toward him and her initial opposition to Lucy’s involvement with him.
Despite this, Felix is portrayed as a caring and considerate person, especially in his interactions with Lucy. He is patient and understanding, giving Lucy the space she needs to process her feelings and make decisions about their relationship.
Felix’s depth is further revealed through his actions, particularly in his support for Lucy after the death of her aunt. His willingness to comfort and care for her during a time of grief demonstrates his emotional maturity and genuine affection for her.
By the end of the novel, Felix’s commitment to Lucy is evident in his efforts to build their dream home on Prim Point Way. This act symbolizes his desire to create a stable and loving future with her, solidifying his role as a dependable and loving partner.
Bridget Clark
Bridget Clark, Lucy’s best friend and roommate, plays a crucial role in the narrative, both as a supportive friend and as a source of tension. Bridget is introduced as a fun-loving and loyal friend, inviting Lucy to spend the summer on Prince Edward Island with her family.
Her three rules for the trip—enjoying oysters, leaving behind city stress, and avoiding romantic entanglements with her brother—set the stage for the novel’s central conflict. Bridget’s character is multifaceted, shaped by her deep connection to her family and her protective nature, particularly concerning her brother Felix.
Her aversion to Lucy dating Felix stems from her past friendship with Joy, Felix’s ex-fiancée, and the fallout from their broken engagement.
Bridget’s concern is not merely about protecting Felix but also about preserving her friendship with Lucy, which she fears could be jeopardized by a romantic relationship with her brother.
Throughout the novel, Bridget is portrayed as both strong and vulnerable. Her decision to move in with her fiancé, Miles, marks a significant life change. Her eventual marriage and move to Australia highlight her willingness to embrace new challenges.
However, Bridget’s secrecy about her problems with Miles and her reluctance to confide in Lucy create tension in their friendship. This tension comes to a head as the wedding approaches, forcing both women to confront their issues and ultimately reconcile.
By the end of the novel, Bridget’s character undergoes a transformation. She accepts Lucy’s relationship with Felix, indicating her growth and understanding. Her surprise appearance at Lucy’s party in PEI, along with Miles and their daughter Rowan, is a testament to her enduring friendship with Lucy and her acceptance of the changes in their lives.
Miles
Miles, Bridget’s fiancé, and later husband, is a supporting character whose presence in the novel is more symbolic than central. He represents stability and the future for Bridget, but also a source of tension due to his job offer in Australia.
Miles is characterized as a responsible and loving partner, though his relationship with Bridget faces challenges, particularly around the move to Australia. Miles’s character is not explored in great depth, but his actions—such as flying to PEI to resolve issues with Bridget before their wedding—reveal his commitment to her.
His decision to move to Australia, while difficult for Bridget, ultimately strengthens their relationship, as it forces both of them to confront and overcome their differences.
Stacy
Stacy, Lucy’s aunt, plays a significant role in Lucy’s life, particularly in shaping her career path. As the owner of the florist business In Bloom, Stacy provides Lucy with a sense of stability and purpose.
Her decision to leave the business to Lucy after her death is a pivotal moment in the novel, marking a turning point in Lucy’s life.
Stacy’s death is a source of deep grief for Lucy, but it also catalyzes her growth. The loss pushes Lucy to reevaluate her life and her relationships, ultimately leading her to pursue her dream of starting a cut-flower farm.
Stacy’s influence on Lucy is profound, and her legacy is felt throughout the novel, particularly in Lucy’s dedication to her work and her eventual decision to follow her passions.
Joy
Joy, although not a primary character, is an important figure in the novel due to her past relationship with Felix and her former friendship with Bridget. Joy’s broken engagement with Felix and the subsequent estrangement from Bridget create a lingering tension that affects Lucy’s relationship with Felix.
While Joy does not appear in the narrative, her presence is felt through the memories and feelings of the other characters.
Joy’s role in the novel highlights the complexities of relationships and the long-lasting impact that past events can have on the present. Her character serves as a reminder of the challenges that Lucy and Felix must overcome to build their future together.
Themes
Friendship and Loyalty
One of the central themes in This Summer Will Be Different is the enduring nature of friendship and the complexities of loyalty. The novel places the friendship between Lucy and Bridget at its core, exploring how deep bonds can be both a source of strength and tension.
Lucy’s relationship with Bridget is tested multiple times, particularly when it comes to her secret relationship with Felix, Bridget’s brother. The secrecy surrounding their relationship creates a strain, as Lucy fears that her romance with Felix could jeopardize her friendship with Bridget.
Bridget’s reaction to Lucy’s confession towards the end of the novel reveals the depth of her understanding and loyalty, suggesting that true friendship can withstand even the most challenging trials.
The reconciliation between the two women underscores the importance of honesty and communication in maintaining strong friendships.
Love and Fear of Vulnerability
The novel also delves into the complexities of love, particularly the fear of vulnerability that accompanies deep emotional connections. Lucy’s evolving relationship with Felix highlights her struggle between desire and fear.
Initially, Lucy views her encounters with Felix as purely physical, but as her feelings deepen, she becomes increasingly anxious about what a true romantic relationship might mean for her. This fear causes her to push Felix away at times, illustrating how the potential for love can be intimidating.
Felix’s consistent affection and eventual declaration of love force Lucy to confront her fears and recognize that vulnerability is an inherent part of love. The theme of love is also interwoven with the idea of self-discovery, as Lucy learns to balance her desires with the need for self-fulfillment.
Personal Growth and Self-Discovery
Personal growth is a prominent theme, particularly in Lucy’s journey throughout the novel. Initially, Lucy is portrayed as someone who is deeply rooted in her professional life, with her work at In Bloom consuming most of her time and energy.
However, as the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that Lucy harbors dreams beyond her current reality, specifically her aspiration to start a cut-flower farm. The novel follows Lucy’s path of self-discovery, as she learns to prioritize her own happiness and personal goals.
Her decision to take a break from her relationship with Felix to focus on herself is a pivotal moment in her growth. By the end of the novel, Lucy has embraced her desires and takes definitive steps toward achieving her dream, indicating a significant shift from her earlier, more uncertain self.
This journey reflects the broader theme of finding one’s true self and the courage it takes to pursue personal fulfillment.
The Impact of the Past on the Present
Another important theme in the novel is the impact of the past on the present. The characters are constantly influenced by their past experiences, particularly in their relationships.
Bridget’s initial opposition to Lucy’s relationship with Felix is rooted in the past betrayal she felt when her friend Joy broke off her engagement with Felix. This past hurt casts a shadow over Bridget’s perceptions, influencing her reactions to current events.
Similarly, Lucy’s hesitation to fully commit to Felix is tied to her past experiences and the fear of losing control over her life. The novel suggests that the past is a powerful force in shaping the present, but also that healing and moving forward are possible when individuals confront and resolve these past issues.
The Intersection of Place and Identity
This Summer Will Be Different also explores the theme of place and its connection to identity. Prince Edward Island is not just a setting in the novel; it represents a place of both escape and self-discovery for Lucy.
The island becomes a backdrop for significant moments in Lucy’s life, from her initial encounter with Felix to her eventual decision to start a new life there. PEI symbolizes a space where Lucy can break free from the pressures of her life in Toronto and explore her true self.
The novel suggests that physical places can hold deep emotional significance and can be integral to the process of self-discovery and the formation of identity. By the end of the novel, Lucy’s decision to move to PEI and start her flower farm is not just a change of location but a profound affirmation of her true identity and desires.