A Canadian Romance Novel Gets Its Netflix Moment
Fans of Carley Fortune, one of Canada's most beloved contemporary romance authors, have reason to celebrate: Netflix Canada has officially ordered a 10-episode series adaptation of her third novel, This Summer Will Be Different. And the production is staying true to its roots, filming will take place in Toronto and Prince Edward Island, the very settings that make the book so charming.
What the Story Is About
If you haven't read the book, here's the setup: Lucy meets Felix during a summer vacation on PEI, and the two share an electric encounter. The catch? Felix is the younger brother of Lucy's best friend Bridget. Over the following years, Lucy returns to the island annually, doing her best to avoid Felix and protect her heart, until a crisis pulls Bridget home just before her wedding, and everything changes.
It's the kind of sun-soaked, emotionally layered story that translates beautifully to screen, lush island scenery, complicated relationships, and the kind of slow-burn romantic tension that keeps audiences binge-watching.
Fortune's Own Words
Fortune, who was partly inspired by her own experiences on PEI and her love of L.M. Montgomery's work, is thrilled about the adaptation. "I'm thrilled to bring this sweeping love story to the screen with Netflix," she said, adding that she's excited to show audiences the island's beauty.
For Fortune, PEI isn't just a backdrop. It's a character in its own right. The island's red cliffs, rolling farmland, and unhurried pace give her stories a distinct sense of place that Canadian readers have fallen in love with.
A Big Year for Carley Fortune Adaptations
The Netflix announcement is just the latest in a run of exciting news for Fortune. Her novel Every Summer After is currently in production as an Amazon Prime series, while Meet Me at the Lake was optioned by Netflix and Archewell Productions. It's a remarkable run of success for a Canadian author whose books have resonated far beyond this country's borders.
And there's more to come: Fortune's newest novel, Our Perfect Storm, releases on May 5.
Canadian Stories on the World Stage
There's something genuinely exciting about watching Canadian stories, set in Canadian landscapes, with Canadian characters, land on one of the world's biggest streaming platforms. Fortune's work celebrates the particular magic of this country: summers on the East Coast, the complicated bonds of friendship and family, and the way a place can hold a piece of your heart.
With production set in Toronto and PEI, the series will also bring jobs and visibility to Canada's thriving screen industry. For fans of the book, and there are many, seeing Lucy and Felix's story come to life on screen is going to be a real treat.
Keep an eye out for casting announcements and production updates as This Summer Will Be Different makes its way from page to screen.
Source: CBC Books
