Prime Video's Every Year After has become a streaming sensation since its June 10 debut, consistently ranking in the platform's top two worldwide. The eight-episode series, based on Carley Fortune's bestselling novel Every Summer After, has proven that heartfelt, comforting romance can draw millions of viewers. But for fans who devoured the book first, the show is just the beginning of Fortune's Hollywood takeover.
While Every Year After is the first of Fortune's novels to hit the screen, another adaptation is already in the works—and it's coming to theaters, not streaming. In August 2023, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's production company, Archewell Productions, acquired the rights to Fortune's 2023 novel Meet Me at the Lake. Since then, details have been scarce, but the author recently offered an update that will excite fans.
What's the Latest on 'Meet Me at the Lake'?
During a June 18 appearance on Open Book With Jenna, Fortune revealed that the project is “still in development,” with a script “still being revised.” While it's not the news fans were hoping for, Fortune shared her confidence in the team behind the film. She recalled a “long call” with Markle and Archewell film producer Tracy Ryerson, saying, “I felt like they really understood the story and what mattered about the story.”
Fortune emphasized that Meet Me at the Lake is more than just a romance. “It’s a romance, but it’s very much about a mother and daughter, too, and we talked a lot about parenthood, and also about how these love stories are about so much more. It’s a story about grief, it’s a story about mental health, and so I felt like it was in good hands with them.”
How Does 'Meet Me at the Lake' Compare to 'Every Summer After'?
While Every Summer After and its Prime Video adaptation fit neatly into the YA category, Meet Me at the Lake is a more mature, grown-up romance. The novel follows Fern Brookbanks and Will Baxter, who share an unforgettable day-long date in their early twenties but lose touch. They make a pact to meet again one year later, but Will never shows. Years later, at age 32, Fern is suddenly running her late mother's lakeside resort when Will arrives “nine years too late,” offering to help. The synopsis teases: “Will may be the only person who understands what Fern’s going through. But how could she possibly trust this expensive-suit-wearing mirage who seems nothing like the young man she met all those years ago?”
Both stories share a lakeside setting, a protagonist grappling with grief, an electric connection spanning years, and a need to rebuild trust. So while the film may take time, fans can expect another swoon-worthy romance. And with Every Year After already renewed for a second season—which will shift focus to Charlie (Michael Bradway) and be inspired by Fortune's 2025 sequel One Golden Summer—Fortune's novels are rapidly expanding into a major TV and movie franchise.
For those who can't get enough of Prime Video's romantic offerings, check out our take on 'Off Campus,' another steamy young romance masterpiece. And if you're looking for more binge-worthy shows, our list of the 25 best TV shows of 2026 so far has plenty of options.
