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For readers who want to relive the charm, beauty, and heartache of life at the beach in Jenny Han’s unforgettable series, The Summer I Turned Pretty, look no further. From heartfelt coming-of-age stories to beach romances, these books offer a similar summery escapism that readers of the original series will cherish. Whether you’ve experienced Belly’s story via the original novel of the same name or the Amazon Prime series adaptation, these novels offer the perfect follow-up to The Summer I Turned Pretty.
The Complete Summer I Turned Pretty Trilogy by Jenny Han
For those looking for beachy vibes and light-hearted romances, Jenny Han’s The Summer I Turned Pretty trilogy is a must-read. Fifteen-year-old Belly’s summer vacation takes an unexpected turn when she reunites with Conrad and Jeremiah, the two boys sharing her heart. Amidst life-altering discoveries, Belly soon realizes this summer will be one she will never forget.
If you have yet to read The Summer I Turned Pretty, I recommend getting your hands on Jenny Han’s addictively readable trilogy.
Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson
When Taylor Edwards’ dad is faced with devastating news, her family decides to take one last summer together at an old, rustic lake house in the Pocono Mountains. Little does Taylor know, her summer of second chances is about to begin. Reuniting with her first boyfriend and former best friend, Taylor finds her life suddenly full of emotion, romance, and friendship. But as Taylor discovers the hard truth of time, she learns that one can never take time for granted.
Second Chance Summer is a beautiful young adult novel that explores the timeless themes of time, second chances, family bonds, and romance. Fans of Sarah Dessen and Jenny Han will love this engaging story. So, if you’re looking for books like The Summer I Turned Pretty, Second Chance Summer is an excellent choice.
Love and Other Words by Chistina Lauren
Macy Sorensen and Elliot Petropoulos were childhood friends until a decade of silence passed between them. But when fate brings them back together in a chance encounter at a cafe, they must face their tumultuous memories of their past.
Through Christina Lauren’s Love and Other Words, readers are taken on an emotionally-charged journey of second-chance redemption and rediscovered love. At its core, it explores the power of forgiveness, friendship and love—just like Jenny Han’s beloved series The Summer I Turned Pretty.
Every Summer After by Carley Fortune
Persephone Fraser had no intention of ever visiting Barry’s Bay again—a small town she had left a decade ago after making a regretful mistake. But when a phone call forces her back home, she’s forced to confront the ghosts of her past, including Sam Florek, her first love.
Carley Fortune’s Every Summer After is a stunning debut novel that takes readers on a journey of first love and summery nostalgia. This New York Times bestseller is a must-read for fans of The Summer I Turned Pretty.
Love and Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch
Imagine a summer spent in one of the most dreamy destinations in the world: Tuscany, Italy. For most, it would be the realization of a fairytale. But for Lina, it’s anything but. Despite her mother’s dying wish for her to build a relationship with her father, Lina is not interested in getting to know him after being absent for sixteen years. Until, that is, she finds her mother’s old journal and the summer suddenly takes a surprising turn.
Love and Gelato is the ideal summer escape that readers will be drawn to. Follow Lina’s journey as she discovers the secrets of Italy’s countryside and the depths of her emotions. Whether you’re a fan of books like Jenny Han’s The Summer I Turned Pretty or just looking for a story full of wanderlust, this beautiful page-turner is sure to capture your attention.
The Rest of the Story by Sarah Dessen
Emma Saylor’s memories of her mom are hazy, but she does remember the tales her mother told of North Lake. When she’s unexpectedly sent to live with her mother’s family for the summer, she finds out that there are two sides to North Lake—the working-class area where her mother lived and the wealthier summer residents, among whom her father was included.
The more time Emma spends there, the more she feels torn between the two worlds. It’s only when she meets Roo that she finds a friend who can help her piece together her family’s past. As time passes, Emma finds herself falling for Roo more and more each day.
If you’re looking for a summery page-turner like The Summer I Turned Pretty, then The Rest of the Story is just the book for you.
Maybe in Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid
At twenty-nine, Hannah Martin is still in search of her place in life. After bouncing from job to job and repeatedly relocating, she finally finds her way back to Los Angeles, to her best friend Gabby’s home. One fateful night, they end up at a bar and Hannah bumps into her high school sweetheart, Ethan. When it’s time to go, Gabby asks if Hannah is ready but Ethan offers to give her a ride home later. Consequences both big and small hang in the balance of her decision.
The story of Maybe in Another Life follows Hannah as she explores what might have been: two simultaneous storylines that explore questions of fate and the notion of soulmates. In this twisty, romantic tale, readers will find themselves in Hannah’s shoes, wondering if the choices we make shape our lives or if it’s all out of our control.
The Summer of Broken Rules by K.L. Walther
Since her sister’s death eighteen months ago, Meredith Fox has created her own private bubble to guard her heart. But when the whole family gathers for their traditional summer vacay in Martha’s Vineyard, Meredith can’t help but get caught up in her typical Fox family antics and a game of Assassin she wasn’t expecting to play. Her competition? A handsome groomsman, who could be more than an opponent in the game.
The Summer of Broken Rules is the epitome of beach reads for fans of Jenny Han’s The Summer I Turned Pretty. Filled with Taylor Swift references and humorous hijinks, this story is sure to keep readers captivated until its thrilling conclusion.
Sunkissed by Kasie West
Avery’s summer begins with disappointment when her best friend betrays her. To make matters worse, her parents decide to drag her to a remote family camp. But, never fear – her summer is about to take an unexpected turn. Enter Brooks, the ultra-charming camp staffer who’s off limits and provides a tantalizing taste of forbidden love. Sound familiar?
If you enjoy Jenny Han’s The Summer I Turned Pretty series, then you’ll love Sunkissed – the sweet, contemporary romance about Avery’s summer of forbidden love that turns everything upside-down.
Some Other Now by Sarah Everett
Seventeen-year-old Jessi Rumfield’s life changed the day she kissed one of the Cohen boys. Now, a year later, Jessi is plunged back into the lives of the Cohen family. Rowen has returned home from college, Luke is seething with resentment, and their mother Mel is in remission. To honor Mel’s final months, Rowen asks Jessi to pretend to be his girlfriend. With things already so different, could this time bring something unexpected?
Perfect for fans of Jenny Han’s bestselling trilogy The Summer I Turned Pretty, Some Other Now is an emotional young adult novel that will tug at your heartstrings.
XoXo by Axie Oh
Cellist and classically trained musician Jenny has worked hard to get to the top, even if that meant missing out on childhood fun. But when she meets the mysterious and charming Jaewoo, an international K-pop star, everything changes. Despite a growing connection, their relationship is impossible due to K-pop’s strict ‘no dating’ rule. Jenny and Jaewoo must decide if they are willing to risk it all for a chance at love.
XoXo is a captivating contemporary romance for fans of Jenny Han and The Summer I Turned Pretty trilogy. Filled with rich emotions and intense drama, XoXo weaves an unforgettable story with a twist you won’t see coming.
Beach Read by Emily Henry
Two literary rivals – renowned fiction author Augustus Everett and bestselling romance novelist January Andrews – couldn’t be more different. Augustus has no qualms about killing off his entire character ensemble, while January prefers happily-ever-afters with complete survival rates.
For the summer, they find themselves in adjacent beach houses, facing a shared challenge: writer’s block. Desperate to complete their manuscripts by summer’s end, the two strike a deal to push them out of their comfort zones. But, what could possibly go wrong?
Heartwarming, sweet, and witty, Beach Read is a swoon-worthy contemporary romance perfect for readers on the hunt for books like The Summer I Turned Pretty.
My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick
Seventeen-year-old Samantha Reed’s life is transformed when the Garretts move in next door. Unlike her own family, the Garretts are loud, messy and full of affection—everything Samantha wishes to be a part of. That wish comes true when Jase Garrett climbs her terrace and changes her world.
My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick is a heartfelt story about friendship, first love, family and being true to yourself. Those who have enjoyed Jenny Han’s The Summer I Turned Pretty will undoubtedly fall in love with this riveting debut.
Same Time Next Summer by Annabel Monaghan
Summer fun and romance await readers in Same Time Next Summer, the new novel from the author of Nora Goes Off Script.
Sam’s perfect life—engagement to a dreamy doctor, great job, wedding venue near her parent’s Long Island beach house—is upended when she runs into her first love, Wyatt. Will old feelings ruin her life or will Sam get a second chance at love?
This is a must-pack for beach season, especially for those who loved Jenny Han’s The Summer I Turned Pretty series. Enjoy the ultimate summer escape with Same Time Next Summer!
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han
Lara Jean has a secret – and it’s a big one! Her carefully penned love letters have been mysteriously sent out, leaving her crushes in a whirlwind of confusion and curiosity. As Lara Jean takes on the consequences, she unexpectedly finds herself in a romantic journey with one of her past crushes, Peter Kavinsky.
Like The Summer I Turned Pretty, this coming-of-age rom-com has it all – secrets, scandal, and forbidden feelings. Experience this heartfelt story of Lara Jean and Peter Kavinsky and be prepared to fall head-over-heels in love!
Better than the Movies by Lynn Painter
High schooler Liz Buxbaum has been fantasizing about a meet-cute with her longtime crush Michael since day one. But when her rival Wes Bennet crashes the party, Liz knows she has to think outside the box if she wants to capture Michael’s heart. She takes the challenge head-on and embarks on an epic mission to make Michael fall for her with Wes as her secret ally. Little does Liz know, her plan backfires when she begins to develop unexpected feelings for her enemy.
Better Than the Movies takes readers on an exciting journey of teen angst, antics, and the classic enemies-to-lovers romance. If you’re a fan of The Summer I Turned Pretty but desire a bit of fake dating and drama, then Better Than the Movies is the book for you!