Top Ten Books like The Summer I Turned Pretty

Let’s be real: The Summer I Turned Pretty, written by Jenny Han in 2009, is the ultimate summer romance of teen tropes. The beaches, the sun, the awkward-yet-cute love triangle – it’s all there. The book follows Belly Conklin (seriously?) as she spends every summer at Cousins Beach with her mom’s best friend’s family, including the two boys, Conrad and Jeremiah Fisher. But this particular summer, everything’s a little different – Belly’s not a little girl anymore, and the Fisher boys are noticing. Cue all the love triangle drama, summer swooning, and heartfelt moments that make you want to dive headfirst into the ocean of teen love.

If you’ve already devoured this gem and feel like you’re missing that sweet, summer romance energy, don’t worry – I’ve got you covered. Summer romances have this magical quality to them: they’re like sipping a cold lemonade in the heat or watching a sunset that turns the sky into a cotton candy dream. These books, like The Summer I Turned Pretty, have all the feels – first love, personal growth, a sprinkle of heartbreak, and the warm, lazy vibe that only comes when the days are long and the nights are full of possibility.

So, whether you’re curled up by the pool, lying on the beach, or just pretending it’s summer with your fan blasting full speed, here’s a list of 10 books that will give you all those summer love vibes. You’re welcome.

The Summer of Broken Rules by K.L. Walther (2021)

Imagine you’re at Martha’s Vineyard, which is already a dream in itself, right? Now add a dash of romance, a sprinkle of grief, and a game of assassin. Yep, that’s what The Summer of Broken Rules delivers. Meredith Fox is spending her first summer without her sister and decides to fully throw herself into her family’s annual game of assassin. But what’s summer without a cute boy entering the picture? Of course, there’s romance – because what’s a game of assassin without some emotional chaos, am I right? It’s heartwarming, emotional, and the perfect beach read, much like The Summer I Turned Pretty.

Every Summer After by Carley Fortune (2022)

Remember your childhood summer crush? Now imagine things go horribly wrong, and you stop talking for over a decade. That’s the gist of Every Summer After. Persephone (yep, like the Greek goddess) and Sam spent every summer together until a Big Mistake (with capital letters) shattered their relationship. Flash forward 12 years, and they’re back in each other’s lives. Spoiler alert: there’s plenty of unresolved tension, nostalgia, and second-chance romance. If you love the idea of first loves colliding with adult reality, this one will hit you right in the feels.

Since You’ve Been Gone by Morgan Matson (2014)

Ever had a friend so wild they dragged you into all kinds of shenanigans? That’s Sloane for Emily, except this time Sloane disappears, leaving Emily with nothing but a list of random things to do. From dancing until dawn to kissing a stranger, Emily is suddenly thrust into a summer of doing things that are so not her – like maybe falling for the guy helping her complete the list. Think of it as a summer bucket list with a side of romance. If you’re all about self-discovery, adventure, and a slow-burn romance, this one is calling your name.

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins (2010)

Alright, we’re moving from sandy beaches to the streets of Paris for this one, but trust me, it’s worth it. Anna is sent to boarding school in Paris (boo-hoo, right?), where she meets Étienne St. Clair. The problem? He’s charming, swoon-worthy, and totally taken. But that doesn’t stop their undeniable chemistry from building as they explore Paris together. This book is like a warm croissant – flaky on the outside but soft and gooey on the inside. If you love the awkwardness and excitement of first love, you’ll eat this one up.

Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson (2012)

Yes, we’re back with another Morgan Matson gem because the woman knows how to write a good summer novel. Second Chance Summer is a heart-wrenching story about Taylor Edwards, who returns to her family’s summer lake house after discovering her dad is terminally ill. Cue all the emotional rollercoasters, as she reconnects with an old friend and – surprise – a former summer love. If you like your summer romances with a good cry (sometimes you just need to feel all the feelings), this one will have you reaching for the tissues. Think of it as The Summer I Turned Pretty, but with way more emotional baggage.

Sunkissed by Kasie West (2021)

Summer camp, lakeside activities, and, of course, a cute boy. That’s what Sunkissed brings to the table. Avery didn’t want to spend her summer in the middle of nowhere, but when she meets Brooks, a musician with that irresistible “mysterious boy” vibe, things start to look up. It’s fun, it’s light, and it’s the perfect way to escape for a few hours. If you liked the breezy, carefree vibe of The Summer I Turned Pretty, this one’s for you.

Places We’ve Never Been by Kasie West (2022)

A road trip? Check. Childhood friends? Check. Unspoken tension? Double check. Places We’ve Never Been follows Norah and Skyler as their families take a cross-country trip together. They haven’t been close in years, but nothing says “let’s reconnect” like being stuck in a van for days on end. Expect plenty of heartwarming moments and maybe a few surprises along the way. It’s got that same rekindling-a-past-relationship vibe that Belly has with Conrad and Jeremiah.

Field Notes on Love by Jennifer E. Smith (2019)

This one’s for all the hopeless romantics out there. Hugo and Mae meet on a train trip across the country (I know, it already sounds like a movie, right?). He’s just out of a relationship, and she’s trying to make a documentary. It’s sweet, quirky, and all about taking chances – on love, on life, and on yourself. If you loved the slow burn of Belly’s relationships and the mix of adventure and romance, you’ll adore this.

The Rest of the Story by Sarah Dessen (2019)

Sarah Dessen knows her way around a summer novel, and The Rest of the Story is no exception. Emma Saylor spends her summer with her mother’s side of the family at a lakeside resort, where she reconnects with her childhood friend, Roo. As Emma uncovers more about her mother’s past, she learns about herself, too. It’s a beautifully layered story with romance, family dynamics, and the quiet, peaceful setting of a lakeside town. Fans of The Summer I Turned Pretty will feel right at home with this one.

Love and Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch (2016)

Lina didn’t expect to spend her summer in Italy, much less uncovering her mother’s old secrets. But as she explores Florence and falls for a local boy named Ren, Lina discovers that love and gelato might just make the best combination. Set against the dreamy backdrop of Italy, this book is the perfect escape for anyone looking for romance, mystery, and a bit of European adventure. It’s like The Summer I Turned Pretty, but with way more pasta and scenic views.

There you have it – ten books to fill that summer-romance-shaped hole in your heart. Whether you’re looking for love triangles, emotional growth, or just something sweet and light to breeze through, these stories have all the feels. So grab your sunglasses, kick back, and dive into one of these reads.

And hey, if you want to balance out all that romance with a bit of self-improvement, don’t forget to check out Wizdom – an app that serves up bite-sized summaries of some of the best self-help books out there. Because who says you can’t fall in love with life and yourself at the same time?