The Kentucky Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau is excited to partner with Birdies Books & Beans to bring you your new favorite lake day books. Stop by Birdies on your way to Kentucky Lake and grab your weekend reads!
Recommendation #1: Every Summer After by Carley Fortune
If summer could be bottled into a book, it would look a lot like Every Summer After by Carley Fortune.
Set against the backdrop of long days on the water, dockside memories, and the kind of lake summers that stay with you forever, the story follows Percy as she returns to the lakeside town where she spent her youth, and comes face-to-face with the people and memories she thought she’d left behind. Told through a mix of past and present timelines, the novel captures the magic of first love, lifelong friendships, and the pull of a place that always feels like home.
Nostalgic, emotional, and impossible to put down, Every Summer After is the perfect read for anyone who loves lake life, summer romance, and stories that make you want to spend just one more evening watching the sun set over the water.
Recommendation #2: One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune
From the same world as Every Summer After, One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune brings you the story of Alice, who serves as a side character in Every Summer After.
The story follows Alice, a photographer who returns to a beloved lakeside destination years after a life-changing summer there as a teenager. As she reconnects with the lake, old memories begin to surface, and she finds herself rediscovering the joy, adventure, and possibility that seem to come alive during long summer days on the water. Set against a backdrop of boat rides, lakeside evenings, and unforgettable sunsets, the novel perfectly captures the feeling of escaping to the lake for the season.
With its lakeside setting and summer charm, One Golden Summer serves as a reminder that some of our favorite memories are made by the water. It’s a fitting addition to any summer reading list, especially for those who love spending time at the lake.
Recommendation #3: Meet Me at the Lake by Carley Fortune
For readers who enjoy stories that blend romance, self-discovery, and a love for life on the water, Meet Me at the Lake by Carley Fortune is a perfect summer companion.
The novel follows Fern, who unexpectedly reconnects with a man she shared a memorable day with years earlier. Now an adult facing challenges of her own, Fern finds herself navigating the complexities of the past while trying to determine what she wants for her future. Set around a lakeside resort, the story is filled with waterfront views, cozy summer moments, and the kind of atmosphere that makes readers want to escape to the lake.
With memorable characters, emotional depth, and a setting that feels like a destination all its own, Meet Me at the Lake captures the magic of summer while exploring the connections that shape our lives. It’s an ideal choice for anyone looking to add a little lakeside charm to their summer reading list.
