For fans of heartwarming romance and compelling book-to-screen adaptations, there’s a new series on the horizon that promises to deliver. Following in the footsteps of beloved shows like The Summer I Turned Pretty, Heated Rivalry, and the Off Campus series, Prime Video is set to transport audiences to the picturesque setting of Barry’s Bay with its latest offering, Every Year After.
This eight-part series is a faithful adaptation of Carley Fortune’s popular novel of the same name. At its core, Every Year After delves into the intricate and emotionally charged relationship of Persephone “Percy” Fraser with the Florek brothers, Sam and Charlie. These boys were her neighbours and childhood companions at her family’s holiday lake house.
While it’s tempting to draw direct comparisons to The Summer I Turned Pretty, particularly given the shared picturesque summer setting and themes of young love and drama, Every Year After carves out its own unique space. It’s not a straightforward love triangle between two brothers and a mutual friend. Instead, the resonance lies in the profound emotional impact the series leaves on viewers, evoking a sense of nostalgia and the bittersweet complexities of growing up.
A Return to Barry’s Bay
The narrative kicks off with Percy, now an adult, whose life is significantly disrupted by the news of Sue Florek’s passing. She receives an invitation to the memorial service from Sue’s son, Charlie, a person with whom she has had no contact for a decade. This estrangement stems from a deeply painful breakup with his younger brother, Sam, a relationship that was once a defining part of her formative years.
Image: Prime Video.
Percy Fraser and Sam Florek’s journey from childhood friends to a passionate romance was an intense one. Their lives were intertwined over six idyllic summers spent in Barry’s Bay. Their love story was built on shared experiences: days filled with lakeside adventures, the exchange of friendship bracelets, and late-night horror movie marathons. What began as a gentle, slow-burn affection eventually ignited into a powerful flame, consuming both of them in its intensity.
The series masterfully employs a dual timeline, seamlessly shifting between Percy’s present-day return to Barry’s Bay and flashbacks to her past. This structure allows for a gradual unravelling of how Percy and Sam’s relationship ultimately fractured, often in ways that are both heartbreaking and excruciatingly relatable. Viewers will find themselves shouting at the screen, urging the characters to overcome their obstacles and reunite, a testament to the raw emotional honesty of the storytelling.
Nostalgia, Longing, and Youthful Mistakes
Compared to some of the more overtly sensationalised book-to-screen adaptations, Every Year After offers a more nuanced and introspective experience. It’s a deeply nostalgic romance, saturated with a palpable sense of longing and the poignant sting of youthful errors. Beneath the surface of young love lie profound undertones of heartbreak, grief, and the often-unseen struggles with mental health. This makes for an earnest and emotionally resonant watch.
However, the series is far from being solely melancholic. It is punctuated by moments of genuine joy and charm.
Image: Prime Video.
The interactions between young Percy and Sam are particularly endearing. From awkward, cringe-worthy attempts to make each other jealous to the pure, unadulterated sweetness of their first kiss – a moment guaranteed to elicit giggles and a flutter of excitement – their love story is undeniably captivating.
The supporting cast also shines, adding depth and levity to the narrative. Percy’s friend Delilah, portrayed by Abigail Cowen, is a standout, delivering a comedic performance that is sure to make her a breakout star. The friendship group is further enriched by Chantal, played by Aurora Perinneau, and Jordie, brought to life by Joseph Chiu. Their presence offers a much-needed reprieve when the emotional weight of Percy and Sam’s tumultuous romance becomes almost unbearable.
For those who, like the author, have a fondness for the second book in the series, One Golden Summer, a word of defence for Charlie Florek is in order. He deserves a fair hearing and perhaps a little more understanding.
Against the backdrop of stunning Canadian lakeside scenery, Every Year After has the power to enchant and completely immerse viewers in its world. If you’re on the hunt for a new romance series that will capture your heart and imagination, this is one you won’t want to miss.
Every Year After is set to premiere on Prime Video on June 10. A trailer is available for viewing.
