17 books to read if you’re already missing The Summer I Turned Pretty

The ending of The Summer I Turned Pretty felt as significant for younger audiences as the Friends finale did for older ones. Instead of wanting Rachel to stay, everyone was rooting for Conrad to follow his heart and travel.

Okay, so they finally kissed, they’ve vowed their love, and now they’re heading to Brussels… and honestly, it’s left me feeling a little empty! As a total romance fan, I’m already missing the build-up and all the sweet moments. It’s like the best part is over, and now what?

As the evenings get longer, now is a great time to find a good book to escape into. If you’re already feeling nostalgic for shows like The Summer I Turned Pretty, here are 17 recommendations to keep you entertained until the movie comes out!

What to read after finishing The Summer I Turned Pretty

Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter
Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
Every Summer After by Carley Fortune
Call It What You Want by Alissa DeRogatis
Meet Me at the Lake by Carley Fortune
The Summer of Broken Rules by K.L. Walther
One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle
Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Happy Place by Emily Henry
We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
Since You’ve Been Gone by Morgan Matson
The Love That Split the World by Emily Henry
But How Are You, Really by Ella Dawson
Save the Date by Allison Raskin
The Break-Up Pact by Emma Lord
The Wedding People by Alison Espach
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han

1. Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter

Season 3 of The Summer I Turned Pretty was full of subtle references to Audrey Hepburn, a sweet touch for fans like Belly who love classic films. If you enjoyed that, you’ll likely love Lynn Painter’s *Better Than the Movies*, a story focused on finding real-life romance inspired by the magic of movies.

This charming story centers on Liz, a teenager who meticulously planned her love life to resemble a romantic comedy – complete with elaborate gestures. However, she soon discovers that real love is much more complicated and unpredictable than anything she imagined. Just like Belly found out that a wedding isn’t a magic fix, Liz learns that love doesn’t always happen when you expect it to, and sometimes the most wonderful connections come from unexpected places. With a blend of enemies-to-lovers and boy-next-door tropes, this delightful romcom is a must-read!

2. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

If you enjoyed the sweet, summery romances in The Summer I Turned Pretty, you’ll likely love Anna and the French Kiss. This book tells the story of Anna, an American teenager who goes to boarding school in Paris and falls for the captivating, yet complicated, Étienne St. Clair. As Anna adjusts to a new school, makes friends, and experiences the excitement of first love, she learns that following your heart can be both wonderful and a little scary.

Similar to Belly’s experiences with Conrad, Anna discovers that love is often both wonderful and challenging, and some summers truly transform you. Set in Paris, this charming novel blends romance, humor, and heartfelt moments, making it perfect for anyone dreaming of a memorable summer filled with connection and unforgettable experiences. It perfectly evokes the same delightful feeling of an American discovering Paris, just like in the later parts of the Belly storyline.

3. Every Summer After by Carley Fortune

Both *Every Summer After* and *The Summer I Turned Pretty* share a similar summery, vacation-focused setting – Cousins Beach and Barry’s Bay, respectively. But beyond that, both novels delve into more complex themes like dealing with grief, helping loved ones through loss, the pain we can inflict on those we care about, facing the repercussions of our decisions, and the difficult journey of finding your way back to yourself.

Percy and Sam shared six wonderful summers together, and their friendship turned into romance-until a single error ruined everything. Years later, Percy comes back to Barry’s Bay for Sam’s mother’s funeral and discovers the spark between them hasn’t faded. This novel explores whether they can overcome past hurts, let go of the past, and rediscover their love. Told over six summers and one pivotal weekend, it’s a story filled with both sweet memories and painful heartbreak, reminiscent of revisiting a cherished place from your youth.

4. Call It What You Want by Alissa DeRogatis

Call It What You Want beautifully captures Belly’s journey of growing up and finding herself, much like the show we love. It’s a story with all the familiar twists and turns of first love – the highs, the lows, and the sometimes painful understanding that people can’t always meet your needs, at least not right now.

As Sloane finishes college, she unexpectedly finds herself in a complicated relationship with a guy she has intense chemistry with. It’s a thrilling, back-and-forth connection that leaves her feeling both excited and uncertain. The question is, will Ethan be there to catch her if she falls? With his mysterious and captivating personality, Ethan makes this book the ideal summer read, perfect for those last carefree days at Cousins Beach.

5. Meet Me at the Lake by Carley Fortune

Belly’s summers with Jeremiah and Conrad defined the two most important relationships of her life. Similarly, Fern only needed a single day with Will for him to stay with her forever.

Nine years after leaving, Fern returns to her mother’s lakeside resort, feeling stuck in a town she always wanted to escape. When Will unexpectedly reappears – different, with his own issues, and potentially holding the key to her questions – Fern wonders if they finally have a chance. After Belly found love, this novel explores whether Fern will too. Set against the beautiful backdrop of a lakeside summer, it’s a deeply emotional and romantic story that perfectly captures the lasting feeling of those unforgettable summers.

6. The Summer of Broken Rules by K.L. Walther

If you enjoyed the emotional themes of love, loss, and family in *The Summer I Turned Pretty*, you’ll likely connect with *The Summer of Broken Rules*. Meredith is returning to Martha’s Vineyard for the first time since her sister died, and this summer feels particularly difficult. She’s surrounded by family for a wedding, but to make things worse, she’s just been broken up with.

Meredith is playing the family’s yearly game of assassin alone when she unexpectedly falls for a groomsman. Their connection is instant and strong. This sweet and romantic novel, filled with nods to Taylor Swift, beautifully captures the feeling of shows like *The Summer I Turned Pretty* – a story about coping with loss, discovering love, and finding happiness in surprising ways.

7. One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle

If you loved the close mother-daughter bond and stunning scenery in The Summer I Turned Pretty, you’ll be captivated by Rebecca Serle’s One Italian Summer. The story follows Katy after her mother’s death, leaving her feeling lost and heartbroken – her mom was more than just a parent, she was Katy’s best friend and the first person she turned to for everything.

Despite her grief, Katy continues with her planned trip to Positano, Italy, finding echoes of her mother everywhere she looks. Then, something incredible happens: her mother appears, looking thirty years old, full of life, and completely real. Katy suddenly has one summer to finally get to know her mother as the young woman she used to be. It’s a heartwarming, enchanting, and poignant story – the kind of second chance fans of *The Summer I Turned Pretty* wish Susannah Fisher had been given.

8. Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid

If you enjoyed the heartwarming, summery feel of The Summer I Turned Pretty, you’ll likely love Malibu Rising. Taylor Jenkins Reid’s novel shares a similar vibe, but with a bit more drama. It centers on the four Riva siblings as they get ready for their famous annual summer party in 1980s Malibu, while dealing with family secrets, competition, and their complex relationships.

Similar to Belly, the Rivas family is discovering the complexities of love, the importance of loyalty, and the challenges of growing up while facing family pressures. This novel is a captivating and emotional story filled with memorable friendships, exciting romance, and a single, life-altering night – it’s a book that will stay with you long after you finish reading.

9. Happy Place by Emily Henry

It would be easy to fill this list with books by Emily Henry – her novels are known for their beautiful settings, charming romances, and characters who learn a lot about themselves. However, *Happy Place* especially feels like a great read for anyone who enjoyed *The Summer I Turned Pretty*.

This story follows Harriet and Wyn, a couple who split up secretly six months prior but have to act like they’re still engaged during their yearly vacation with friends in Maine. If you enjoyed the character of Conrad, you’ll likely be captivated by Wyn, who is equally compelling but more reserved. Like the popular ‘Cousins Beach’ series, this book explores themes of close friendships, cherished memories, mental wellbeing, and the possibility of rekindled romance. While Belly found happiness at the beach, Harriet’s happy place is a beautiful house in Maine, where secret glances, brief touches, and the desire to reconnect will keep you thoroughly engaged.

10. We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

If you enjoyed the summery atmosphere and emotional depth of *The Summer I Turned Pretty*, you’ll likely love *We Were Liars* by E. Lockhart-though it’s a bit more mysterious and suspenseful. The story takes place on a private island near Martha’s Vineyard and centers around Cadence and her cousins as they deal with love, family bonds, and long-held secrets.

Similar to ‘Summer I Turned Pretty,’ this story follows Cadence as she navigates the joys of summer and the challenges of growing up. However, it’s a more complex and bittersweet experience, filled with romance, strong friendships, and unexpected betrayals. A major secret is revealed that will stay with you long after you finish reading. While ‘Summer I Turned Pretty’ was about discovering first love and identity, this story explores the consequences when memories, advantages, and heartbreak intersect. And both shows are connected – they’re like sisters on Amazon Prime!

11. Since You’ve Been Gone by Morgan Matson

If you loved the close friendships in The Summer I Turned Pretty, you’ll enjoy Since You’ve Been Gone by Morgan Matson. The story follows Emily, whose best friend Sloane suddenly vanishes, leaving behind a list of challenges. Emily must complete these dares, which force her to step outside her comfort zone and have a summer filled with surprises.

Similar to Belly’s journey of love and friendship, Emily discovers that growing up isn’t about losing the people you care about. This heartwarming and funny story follows Emily as she takes chances, learns who she is, and cherishes the friendships that last through all of life’s ups and downs-and a little bit of romance too!

12. The Love That Split the World by Emily Henry

If you loved the sweet romance, personal growth, and summery vibes of *The Summer I Turned Pretty*, you’ll definitely want to read *The Love That Split the World* by Emily Henry. It’s about Natalie, a teenager who finds herself torn between two different worlds while figuring out love, who she is, and what her future holds.

Natalie’s summer is a transformative experience, filled with yearning, heartbreak, and the possibility of finding love again. This novel offers a captivating romance, explores deep emotions, and includes a touch of magical realism – making it the perfect escape for anyone who wants a truly memorable story, reminiscent of a summer spent at a beloved beach.

13. But How Are You, Really by Ella Dawson

The latest season of The Summer I Turned Pretty showed us Belly, Taylor, and Jeremiah starting college – a big life change for Belly, though she truly came into her own later in Paris. That’s why Ella Dawson’s novel, *But How Are You, Really*, feels like a perfect next read: it’s a story about facing your history, appreciating the people you choose as family, and realizing that love shouldn’t just be a quick fix.

Charlotte dreads going to her five-year high school reunion, knowing she’ll have to confront the friends she distanced herself from – and a past love she never forgot. The story explores whether she’ll rebuild those old connections and if a romance with Reece could blossom again. Filled with honest emotions, personal growth, and a touch of romantic tension, this book will appeal to readers who enjoyed the coming-of-age journey in stories like Jenny Han’s ‘To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before’.

14. Save the Date by Allison Raskin

Since the central appeal of *The Summer I Turned Pretty* is its romantic love triangle, Allison Raskin’s *Save the Date* naturally includes a similar, engaging triangle – this one revolving around potential weddings.

Emma is a couples therapist, so you’d think she’d have relationships figured out. But when her fiancé leaves her just six months before their wedding, her own life falls apart. Determined to still get married on time, she starts looking for a new groom and finds herself torn between two very different men: Will, a charming podcast producer who doesn’t want to be a stand-in, and Matt, a kind, recently divorced man ready for a fresh start. This funny, heartfelt novel is full of romantic tension and will appeal to fans of stories like ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’.

15. The Break-Up Pact by Emma Lord

What many people love about *The Summer I Turned Pretty* is how realistically it portrays the shifting dynamics between friends, especially when romantic feelings get involved – and the confusion that can follow. If you enjoyed that aspect, *The Break-Up Pact* by Emma Lord is a great next read. It’s about two best friends who stopped talking a decade ago.

June and Levi both recently experienced very public and embarrassing breakups, widely discussed online and on TV. When a photo of them together surfaces, the internet immediately jumps to the conclusion they’re a new couple. Seeing an opportunity, June and Levi make a deal: they’ll pretend to date to help June’s struggling business and make Levi’s ex jealous. This lighthearted novel is filled with fun, friendship, and plenty of romance as they navigate staged dates and charming moments.

16. The Wedding People by Alison Espach

Okay, so Season 3 of *The Summer I Turned Pretty* totally left me stressed about Belly’s wedding – would she actually go through with it, and how would she handle everything if she didn’t? If you, like me, are still reeling from that wedding drama and craving more summery, romantic vibes, I just finished a book called *The Wedding People* by Alison Espach, and it’s *perfect*. It’s a really funny story about friendships, dealing with heartbreak, and just figuring out life, and it totally hit the spot after that cliffhanger ending!

Okay, so I just finished watching this really charming movie, and let me tell you, it’s a sweet escape. It centers around Phoebe Stone, who’s seriously down on her luck and heads to Newport, Rhode Island, hoping to get herself back on track. Things get a little complicated when she’s accidentally assumed to be a wedding guest! Instead of correcting everyone, she just… goes with it. It’s hilarious and heartwarming watching her navigate this situation alongside the bride, who’s understandably stressed about all the wedding details. They’re total opposites, but they end up forming this really lovely connection, supporting each other through everything with a lot of laughs and genuine kindness. It’s just a feel-good movie that really hits the spot.

17. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han

Jenny Han delivers another sweet and captivating romance, this time following Lara Jean and Peter. If you loved her previous series, this book offers a similar feel-good experience, diving into the challenges and joys of first love, navigating friendships, dealing with loss, and discovering yourself as a teenager.

Okay, so I’m totally obsessed with this story! It’s about Lara Jean, and things get crazy when all her private love letters are accidentally mailed! She ends up pretending to date Peter, who received one of them, just to deal with the mess. But honestly, it’s way more complicated than it sounds because she starts *actually* catching feelings for him, and keeping up the fake relationship gets really difficult and real!

2025-09-26 13:39