August 2026 - Meet Me at the Lake - Carley Fortune
August 2026 Lit Resistance
Why I chose this book:
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, I never really read romance novels. I thought they were tawdry and silly and lacked substance, and weren't what "real" readers reached for. Then, during the pandemic, all I wanted to read were books that made me happy. Books with reliable tropes and sexy people having a good time where the biggest issue was a miscommunication that was always resolved, and a happy ending was guaranteed. As I devoured romance after romance, I realized that, sure, they may be tawdry and silly, but that was part of the appeal, and there was rarely a lack of substance. Because love and all its complications are real and weighty. Yet somehow, a good romance balances the weight with a lightness that makes it the perfect summer read.
When I saw that Meet Me at the Lake was on the Government of Alberta's banned book list, I figured that would make a terrific pick for August. A story about two people falling in love at a lakeside resort? Does it get more "summer read" than that? And it got bonus points because Carley Fortune is a Canadian author and the book is set in the Muskoka region of Ontario. How could I refuse?
Fern and Will's love story is full of longing, deep characterizations, and some hot, sexy times. And like all good romance novels, it's not just a simple, fluffy story about picnics in the park and sex on the beach. It contains some deeper themes about grief and loss, mental health struggles, and the weight of responsibility. I was particularly drawn in by how Fern grappled with wanting to get away from the resort she grew up in and the deep love and sense of self she felt there. I think the story really highlighted how a place can simultaneously feel suffocating when we're trying to grow up, yet remain the deeply loved anchor that reminds us of who we truly are, and how that can be difficult to reconcile.
Sweeping bans often strip away the very heart of what makes books like this so meaningful: the relatable, human struggle to navigate love, identity, and change. I hope this book serves as a reminder of why we should read love stories, inspiring you to embrace romance for all its warmth, depth, unapologetic joy and, yes, sex.
Recommended age: 18+
I’d love to hear your thoughts on Meet Me at the Lake in the comments below!
Included in August’s bundle:*
Citrus Delights lemon candies
Muskoka enamel pin
*All curated items are hand-picked from small Canadian makers
