Our Perfect Strom by Carley Fortune

 

Published by Penguin Canada on May 1^st, 2026

410 pages

I read the paperback version

Back Cover

Frankie and George have been best friends since they were eight years old. Both passionate, impulsive, and headstrong—they’ve always clashed... and come back together. Until now. It’s the eve of Frankie’s wedding weekend, and she doesn’t know where they stand or even if George will show up as her best man.

Then, at the start of the festivities, in walks George. For one glorious evening, surrounded by her loved ones, Frankie’s life is finally perfect. But it all comes crashing down when her fiancé dumps her the next morning, leaving only a note as an explanation.

Crushed and confused, Frankie returns to her family’s home to wallow. But George has a different idea and a plan for healing Frankie’s broken heart. He wants her to go on her honeymoon. With him. For one week, to the lush rainforests and misty beaches of Tofino.

Frankie agrees, seeing the trip for what it really is: one last chance to repair their friendship. Even if it means unearthing secrets and long buried feelings neither knows how to handle. Even if it means falling apart for good.

My review

It’s almost a tradition to read a novel from Carley Fortune in May or June. I haven’t missed one since I discovered her first. I wasn’t a huge fan of her last book, but this one is way better. I recommend it if you like friends to lovers.

I would say it’s a slow burn because they take a long time to opt the next step, but everything happens in one week during the vacation. I enjoyed following the two protagonists’ psychology to know why it took so long to share their feelings.

It’s hard to choose a favourite character. This time I will vote for George because I could relate to the fact that he took his distance with Frankie, although he loved her. It’s exactly what I do when I believe there is no point in sharing my feelings. It will only make things worse. I’m not saying that I agree that he acted like that, but I understand him. Frankie is also an awesome character. She’s not scared to show when she’s angry, and I wonder if she should think before speaking, but I appreciate honest people.

This summer will be different was inspired by Anne of Green Gables. This time it’s about little women. I watched the 2019 adaptation and Frankie loves the 1994, but the tale doesn't change. I even read a theatre version and this is how I felt in love with the story.

Excerpts

I’ve always related to Jo March. I’m stubborn, hotheaded, and independent. I never wanted a partner, until I did. I’m not particularly vain, except when it comes to my hair. I used to hate the part in the movie when Jo turned down Laurie’s proposal. (p.11)

But out history is so intertwined that it’s impossible to have enough distance to see our friendship clearly, let alone explain it. George is of me, not separate from me. (p.21)

“One day at a time. Keep your head up, shoulders proud, and breath, Francesca. Remember what I used to say in class : Breathe from your belly.” (p.56)

“I’ve found that going back to the beginning is sometimes the only way to move forward,” Mimi says. (p.58)

I don’t share my mom’s and George’s reverence for nature, but even I marvel at the magnificent display of autumn leaves- the red, rust, and gold bright against evergreen boughs and crisp blue skies. (p.61)

“And the real me is so horrible, right?” I raised my voice, fighting the sting of tears. “How could anyone possibly want to spend their life with me?” (p.77)

Her directive to get inspired. It irks me in a way I can’t put my fingers on, and not only because telling someone to get inspired is about as helpful as telling them to be happy or calm down. (p.132)

“I’m not sure I can. But I don’t want to ruin our friends, either. He means everything to me.” (p.256)

My review of This summer will be different