Books like The Summer I Turned Pretty Trilogy

A sun-drenched, nostalgic dive into the messy, bittersweet ache of growing up and falling in love at the beach. These 12 books are the closest matches in mood, pace and themes, with what each one shares with The Summer I Turned Pretty Trilogy.

sun-drenched
bittersweet
breezy
yearning

01
We'll Always Have Summer
Jenny Han
A bittersweet, sun-drenched farewell to first loves and childhood summers.
Shares:
- sun-drenched
- bittersweet
- earnest
- nostalgic
02
It's Not Summer Without You
Jenny Han
A sun-faded, bittersweet exploration of what happens when the golden haze of childhood summers is pierced by real-world grief.
Shares:
- bittersweet
- earnest
- nostalgic
- shifting family dynamics
03
Second Chance Summer
Morgan Matson
A bittersweet, sun-drenched summer of rekindled love and inevitable goodbyes.
Shares:
- sun-drenched
- bittersweet
- earnest
- nostalgic
04
That Summer
Sarah Dessen · 1996
A bittersweet, sun-drenched exploration of the summer when childhood ends and the messy reality of growing up begins.
Shares:
- sun-drenched
- bittersweet
- earnest
- nostalgic
05
Red kayak
Priscilla Cummings · 2004
A heavy, atmospheric coming-of-age story where the murky waters of loyalty and justice collide.
Shares:
- earnest
- loss of innocence
06
People We Meet On Vacation
Emily Henry
A sun-drenched, banter-filled exploration of the terrifying leap from platonic soulmates to true love.
Shares:
- sun-drenched
- bittersweet
- yearning
- earnest
07
Did I mention I love you?
Estelle Maskame
A sun-drenched, high-angst summer romance fueled by forbidden attraction and teenage rebellion.
Shares:
- sun-drenched
- earnest
- angsty
08
P.S. I like you
Kasie West
A sweet, banter-filled exploration of falling in love with someone's words before you know their face.
Shares:
- earnest
- first love
09
The truth about forever
Sarah Dessen
A sun-soaked summer of chaotic catering gigs, found family, and learning to let go of the need to be perfect.
Shares:
- sun-drenched
- bittersweet
- earnest
- nostalgic
10
Beach Read
Emily Henry
A sun-drenched, banter-filled exploration of creative burnout and the terrifying vulnerability of letting yourself believe in happy endings again.
Shares:
- sun-drenched
- breezy
- earnest
11
Let it snow
John Green, Lauren Myracle and others
A witty, snow-muffled romp through teenage romance where chaotic winter storms lead to cozy, serendipitous love.
Shares:
- earnest
12
Love and Gelato
Jenna Evans Welch
A sun-drenched Italian escapade that wraps the bittersweet ache of grief in the sweet comfort of first love and newfound family.
Shares:
- sun-drenched
- bittersweet
- earnest
- romantic

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