Hey friends! 🌞 So, The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3 is finally here, but let’s be real: it’s also the last season, and my heart can’t handle it! 😢 I know we all love binge-watching our fave shows, but have you ever thought about diving into the books too? Readers are buzzing about the differences between the pages and the screen, and trust me, there’s a lot to unpack! 📚✨ Let’s chat about why this trilogy by Jenny Han should be at the top of your summer reading list!
Meet Belly and the love triangle that stole our hearts
Alright, let’s get into it! Our main girl, Isabel “Belly” Conklin, spends her summers at the dreamy Cousins Beach, where she reunites with her mom’s best friend and her two swoon-worthy sons, Conrad and Jeremiah. This setup has all the makings of a classic summer romance, but it’s also full of emotional twists and turns. Who else is feeling those love triangle vibes? 💔
So, picture this: Belly shows up one summer, and suddenly, she’s not just the little sister anymore. The boys are falling for her, and the tension is real! The series kicks off with the first book, which was released way back in 2009. It’s a nostalgic trip for many of us, but it still resonates today. This book really lays the groundwork for Cousins Beach, a place that’s inspired by some gorgeous East Coast destinations like Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard. Seriously, can you imagine? 💭🏖️
Now, here’s the plot twist: as much as we love the romance, the series isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. A major emotional beat is when Susannah, the boys’ mom, is battling cancer. This pivotal moment sets the stage for so much more heartache and growth throughout the trilogy. I mean, talk about a gut punch! 💔
From heartbreak to healing: The journey continues
Jumping into the second book, things take a darker turn as we deal with Susannah’s death. The boys are struggling, and Belly is caught in this whirlwind of emotions. It’s a year later, and the beloved summer house is on the market. Everyone is feeling lost, and honestly, who can blame them? This part of the story really explores how grief impacts relationships, and it’s so relatable. Unpopular opinion: I think this book hits harder than the first one. What do you think?
The narrative unfolds through flashbacks, giving us glimpses of what’s happened in the year since the first book ended. It’s raw, real, and beautifully written. If you’re not feeling the feels by this point, are you even reading? 😅
The final book: Closure or chaos?
Now, let’s fast forward to the final installment, where Belly is off to college. This is where everything comes to a head. She reflects on her past loves and losses, and the love triangle becomes even more complicated. I mean, can it get any more intense? 😱
As Belly navigates her new life, she’s faced with a decision that will change everything for her and the boys. It’s a powerful moment that speaks to the struggles of growing up and making tough choices. Honestly, I’m sitting here wondering how I would handle that situation. Who else thinks Belly has the toughest job of all? 🙋♀️
The entire trilogy captures the essence of summer love, heartbreak, and the bittersweet nature of growing up. If you haven’t picked up these books yet, what are you waiting for? They’re the perfect blend of nostalgia and fresh storytelling that will have you hooked from the first page. 🍂💕
And don’t forget, all three seasons of The Summer I Turned Pretty are streaming on Amazon Prime Video! So, are you team Conrad or team Jeremiah? Let’s discuss!