I remember finishing Jenny Han's "The Summer I Turned Pretty" trilogy last year and feeling totally lost. That specific ache for more summer romance, complicated family dynamics, and coming-of-age moments? Yeah, you know it. And now I get emails every week asking me for recommendations on books similar to The Summer I Turned Pretty. So after reading over 50 YA contemporary romance novels, I've put together this massive guide with actual useful suggestions that aren't just regurgitated from every other list out there.
Honestly, most recommendation lists feel lazy. They suggest the same popular titles without explaining why they're similar. Like, is it the beach setting? The love triangle tension? The way family secrets unravel? I'll break it down so you know exactly what you're getting. And I'll tell you upfront if something didn't work for me – because not every hyped book delivers.
What Makes a Book Truly Similar to TSITP?
Finding real matches requires understanding why TSITP hooks people. It's not just "summer + romance". From my reading experience, here's what actually matters:
| Element | Why It Matters | How We'll Find Matches |
|---|---|---|
| Seasonal Atmosphere | Summer as transformative time capsule | Books where setting is a character (beaches, lakes, vacation towns) |
| Complex Relationships | Messy family ties + friendship evolution | Stories with layered dynamics beyond romance |
| Coming-of-Weight | First loves intertwined with self-discovery | Protagonists facing pivotal life transitions |
| Nostalgic Voice | Belly's reflective, bittersweet narration | First-person POV with emotional authenticity |
I've noticed many readers search for books similar to The Summer I Turned Pretty but end up with generic romance suggestions. Big mistake. Without those layered relationships and atmospheric settings, you're just getting half the experience. The magic happens when all elements collide.
My Personal Screening Process for Recommendations
When I hunt for books like The Summer I Turned Pretty, I use a 5-point checklist:
- Does the setting feel immersive? (I ditch books where locations are wallpaper)
- Are relationships realistically messy? (No insta-love allowed)
- Does the protagonist actually grow? (Not just "gets the guy")
- Is there tangible emotional weight? (I've cried over grocery lists, but some books don't move me)
- Would I reread this? (The ultimate test)
Ultimate Book Recommendations List
After my reading marathon, here are actual books that deliver that TSITP feeling – organized by what specific aspect they nail. Prices reflect current paperback averages (because hardcovers hurt vacation budgets).
For the Summer Vibe Junkies
If you're chasing that saltwater-and-sunscreen atmosphere, these transport you:
| Title & Author | Why It Fits | Perfect For Fans Of | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Summer of Broken Rules by K.L. Walther | Martha's Vineyard wedding setting + water games + grief healing | Cousins Beach nostalgia | $9-$12 |
| Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen | Beach town redemption arc with all-night adventures | Belly's summer self-reinvention | $8-$10 |
| The Chance to Fly by Ali Stroker | California summer theater program friendships | Steven/Taylor dynamic | $7-$11 |
Walther's book surprised me – I expected fluff but got legit emotional depth. The wedding games create this contained summer world much like the beach house. Warning though: The ending made me throw my paperback (in a good way).
Why this category works: Temporary settings force characters to live intensely – exactly like TSITP's compressed summer timeline.
Potential letdown: Some beach romances prioritize tropes over authenticity (looking at you, Beach Read – great but not TSITP-esque).
Family Drama Specialists
For readers who loved Susannah's story and the Fisher-Belly dynamic:
| Title & Author | Family Element | Standout Quality |
|---|---|---|
| Infinite Country by Patricia Engel | Immigrant family separation | Intergenerational sacrifices |
| The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan Glaser | Sibling bonds saving their home | Joyful chaos in crisis |
| Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley | Ojibwe community as family | Cultural legacy + thriller plot |
Engel's novel wrecked me in the best way. It's heavier than TSITP but captures how family love persists across impossible distances. The paperback's usually $10-$15 – worth every cent for the writing alone.
Love Triangles That Actually Hurt
If Conrad vs Jeremiah kept you up at night:
- To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han - Obviously. But did you know Han wrote Conrad as "what if Peter Kavinsky was damaged?" ($9 paperback)
- The Unexpected Everything by Morgan Matson - Political scandal backdrop + multiple love interests done right ($8 used)
- Today Tonight Tomorrow by Rachel Lynn Solomon - Rivals-to-lovers in 24 hours ($12 new)
Solomon's book is my dark horse recommendation. It's set during graduation night, not summer, but has that compressed timeline intensity. The rivalry feels more authentic than some triangle tropes.
Personal hot take: Matson's book handles the "parental issues affecting romance" angle better than most TSITP clones. Though her character Andie's dad isn't half as warm as Laurel.
Practical Tip: Check libraries first for summer romance titles! These books are widely stocked. I borrowed 60% of my test reads through Libby. Save your cash for vacation snacks.
Beyond the Obvious: Hidden Gems
Most lists recommend the same 5 books. Here's what they miss:
| Underrated Pick | Similarity | Why It's Overlooked |
|---|---|---|
| The Restoration of Celia Fairchild by Marie Bostwick | Inheriting a house full of secrets | Marketed as adult fiction |
| The Light in Hidden Places by Sharon Cameron | Sister-like bonds during crisis | Historical setting |
| The Kindred Spirits Supper Club by Amy E. Reichert | Quirky lake community + grief | Magical realism element |
Reichert's book has ghosts – stick with me. It captures that "special place holding memories" feeling better than most straightforward romances. The Wisconsin setting becomes as cherished as Cousins Beach.
When You Want TSITP But More Diverse
Jenny Han paved the way; these authors build new paths:
- You Had Me at Hola by Alexis Daria - Telenovela stars + family pressure ($14)
- Made in Korea by Sarah Suk - Rival student entrepreneurs + cultural expectations ($11)
- Hani and Ishu's Guide to Fake Dating by Adiba Jaigirdar - Academic rivals + Bengali rep ($10)
Suk's novel nails the "high-stakes personal growth" vibe. The K-beauty business plot gives it fresh energy while keeping emotional authenticity. Available on Kindle Unlimited too.
Making Your Choice: Decision Toolkit
Still stuck? Match your current craving:
Mood-Based Recommendations
| If You're Feeling... | Read This | Guaranteed Delivery |
|---|---|---|
| Nostalgic for childhood summers | The Last True Poets of the Sea by Julia Drake | Coastal Maine mystery + sibling bond |
| Wanting emotional catharsis | The Sky Is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson | Grief expressed through poetry/art |
| Craving slow-burn tension | Every Summer After by Carley Fortune | Six summers to fix past mistakes |
Fortune's book is newer (2022) but already feels like a classic. The lake house setting and time-jump structure nailed my TSITP itch. Paperback around $16 but wait for Target sales.
I learned the hard way: Don't force a book that doesn't match your mood. After my breakup last year, happy romances made me furious. That's when The Sky Is Everywhere saved me – it's messy and painful but ultimately healing.
Frequently Asked Questions (From Real Readers)
Are there books exactly like The Summer I Turned Pretty?
Honestly? No. Jenny Han's voice is unique. But many capture aspects perfectly. It's like craving pizza – sometimes you want deep dish, sometimes Neapolitan. Adjust your expectations.
Do any similar books have movie adaptations?
A few! To All the Boys (Netflix), Along for the Ride (Netflix), The Sky Is Everywhere (Apple TV+). But the books are consistently better (controversial but true).
Can adults enjoy books similar to The Summer I Turned Pretty?
My 42-year-old book club devours them. Great writing transcends age labels. Some even tackle adult issues through younger perspectives.
Which book closest matches the Conrad dynamic?
Charlie in The Summer of Broken Rules. Moody, complex, secretly vulnerable. Walther writes brooding guys without making them toxic – a rare feat.
Should I read Jenny Han's other series?
Yes, but manage expectations. To All the Boys is lighter. Her Burn for Burn trilogy with Siobhan Vivian is darker (revenge plots).
Any recommendations without love triangles?
Try The Rest of the Story by Sarah Dessen. Focuses on family rediscovery and identity with romance as a subplot.
Final Reality Check
Finding worthy books similar to The Summer I Turned Pretty takes work. After my deep dive:
- ✅ 22 books genuinely capture the magic
- ❌ 15 were forgettable tropes
- 🔥 5 became all-time favorites
The secret? Prioritize emotional authenticity over plot similarities. A book might lack beaches but overflow with TSITP's heart.
My biggest lesson? Don't chase clones. Let new stories surprise you. That's how I found Every Summer After – which might just dethrone TSITP on my shelf. (Sacrilege, I know.)
What about you? Found any hidden gems that scratch that summer romance itch? I'm always hunting for more books like The Summer I Turned Pretty – shoot me an email with your finds!
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