If you haven’t yet read The Summer I Turned Pretty book trilogy, you’re missing out on a heartwarming tale of love, growth, and the bittersweetness of summer. Jenny Han’s celebrated series has captivated readers and inspired a hit TV adaptation, making it a must-read for fans of romance and coming-of-age stories.
Here’s everything you need to know about The Summer I Turned Pretty trilogy. From the books to the show and its phenomenal cast, this blog is your ultimate guide.
What Is 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' Series About?
The Summer I Turned Pretty follows the life of Isabel “Belly” Conklin as she navigates love, family, and self-discovery. Every summer, Belly visits Cousins Beach with her mother and brother, joining her mother’s best friend Susannah and her sons, Conrad and Jeremiah. Over the years, Belly’s innocent summers transform into a tangled web of emotions as she finds herself caught in a love triangle between the two brothers.
The series is divided into three books, each chronicling a pivotal stage in Belly’s life:
This is where it all begins. Belly arrives at Cousins Beach, and for the first time, she feels noticed. The book explores her growing feelings for Conrad and the shifting dynamics of her relationships. Belly measures her life in summers. Everything good, everything magical happens between the months of June and August. Winters are simply a time to count the weeks until the next summer, a place away from the beach house, away from Susannah, and most importantly, away from Jeremiah and Conrad.
Belly finds out what comes after falling in love in this moving sequel to The Summer I Turned Pretty. She wishes summer would never come, as Susannah’s illness and Conrad’s withdrawal have left everything broken. But when Jeremiah calls saying Conrad has disappeared, Belly returns to Cousins Beach to make things right. This summer, if it truly is the last, must end where it all began.
The trilogy concludes with Belly’s most challenging summer yet. Now a college student, she’s engaged to Jeremiah Fisher after a shocking revelation tests their relationship. But planning a wedding brings unexpected stress—family disapproval, financial worries, and doubts about Jeremiah’s reliability. When Conrad reenters her life, unresolved emotions resurface. Belly must decide who holds her heart and what her future will look like, bringing the series to an emotional and satisfying conclusion.
From Page to Screen: The TV Adaptation
The book series was adapted into a successful Amazon Prime series, premiering in 2022. Season 2 released in 2023, and season 3 is set to debut this summer (2025). Jenny Han herself served as showrunner, ensuring the adaptation stayed true to the books while adding fresh elements for TV audiences. The show’s popularity soared, winning the Bingeworthy Show of the Year at the 2024 People’s Choice Awards.
Stellar Cast
The cast of The Summer I Turned Pretty brings the beloved characters to life:
Their performances have earned rave reviews, making the series a global sensation.
Meet the Author: Jenny Han
Jenny Han is the brilliant mind behind the Summer series and the bestselling To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before. Born and raised in Richmond, Virginia, to Korean-American parents, Han graduated from Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School in 1998 and later earned a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing at The New School. As the creator and co-showrunner of The Summer I Turned Pretty series on Prime Video, she has become a literary and Hollywood powerhouse. Her books, including the Netflix-adapted To All the Boys trilogy, have been translated into over thirty languages, making her a global sensation.
If you’re a fan of heartfelt, relatable YA fiction, Jenny Han’s books are a treasure trove waiting to be explored.
Why You Should Read 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' Book Trilogy
The Summer series is more than just a love story; it’s about growing up, letting go, and embracing change. Perfect for fans of romance and drama, these books are a summer escape you can enjoy any time of year. Ready to dive in?
Books like The Summer I Turned Pretty books or series:
