Carley Fortune, a bestselling author, has expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming television series “Every Year After,” which is based on her debut romance novel, “Every Summer After.” The series, set to launch on Prime Video on June 10, is anticipated to resonate with fans of the book and capture its essence.
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In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Fortune shared her thoughts on the adaptation, praising it for remaining true to the story that captured the hearts of readers. “I think it does exactly what an adaptation of a book that has a fan base should do, which is that it honours the story,” she stated. The author is optimistic about how the series translates the narrative from page to screen, ensuring that it retains the “heart and soul” of the original work.
The plot centres around Persephone “Percy” Fraser, who spends her summers in Barry’s Bay, Canada. Here, she forms a bond with Sam Florek, a boy from across the lake. However, their relationship becomes strained following a betrayal, leading to years of estrangement before they reunite as adults and confront their unresolved feelings for one another.
Fortune described the eight-episode series as a celebration for fans, highlighting the inclusion of both significant moments and more subtle details. “It’s got the big scenes. It’s got props and sets that just are… They’re like kisses to the fans,” she said, emphasising that these elements are designed to enrich the viewing experience. The adaptation promises to expand on elements from the book, introducing new characters and storylines that enhance the narrative.
A key aspect of the series is the opportunity to delve deeper into the lives of supporting characters. Fortune noted that the viewers will gain insight not only into Percy’s experiences but also into those of Sam and other characters. “You just get so much more access to the world and the characters,” she explained. “That was so fun for me to watch, as a viewer. I really just love it.”
For Fortune, seeing her childhood neighbourhood of Barry’s Bay represented on screen is particularly poignant. Although she was born in Toronto, her formative years were spent in the Ontario lakeside town that serves as the backdrop for her story. “The first day I went to set and seeing Barry’s Bay, their Barry’s Bay, was a pretty big deal for me,” she reflected. The inclusion of familiar locations, such as Steadmans, a real shop in Barry’s Bay, added a layer of nostalgia and authenticity to the production.
A memorable experience for Fortune was her opportunity to make a cameo in the series. She recounted a moment with showrunner Amy B. Harris, who suggested she should join the action filmed at The Tavern, a key location in the narrative. “That was pretty cool. I loved how the cameo played out,” she recalled, highlighting the connection she felt to the project.
The excitement surrounding “Every Year After” is just the beginning for Fortune. Her upcoming novel, “This Summer Will Be Different,” is set for adaptation into a series by Netflix Canada. Additionally, her 2023 work, “Meet Me at the Lake,” is in development under the auspices of Archewell Productions, the company founded by Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, further signalling the growing interest in her writing.
As the series launch date approaches, fans of both Carley Fortune and romance novels can look forward to an engaging exploration of love, friendship, and the nuances of human emotions set against the stunning backdrop of Barry’s Bay. “Every Year After” promises to offer both new viewers and loyal readers a captivating experience when it premieres on June 10. Meanwhile, “Every Summer After” remains readily available for readers eager to explore the story’s origins.