21 Books Like The Summer I Turned Pretty
The Summer I Turned Pretty, huh?
That book really tugs at your heartstrings, doesn’t it?
There’s something so magical about those coming-of-age summers, first loves, and all the feelings that come along with it.
If you’re anything like me, you’re probably looking for more books that give you those same butterflies.
Well, lucky for you, I’ve put together a list of some books that capture that same vibe.
Let’s go.
Books Like The Summer I Turned Pretty
1. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han
Okay, let’s start with something that’s a little familiar. You already love Jenny Han’s writing, so why not dive into her other super popular series? To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before is a perfect follow-up. It’s got all the drama and sweetness you’d expect, with a bit of a twist.
Lara Jean, the main character, writes secret love letters to all the boys she’s ever had a crush on, but never intended to send them. But then, somehow, the letters get sent out, and chaos ensues.
This book is like a warm hug—Lara Jean is so relatable, and the romantic tension is just delicious. Plus, if you love the book, there’s a whole trilogy to keep you busy, and let’s not forget the Netflix adaptations!
2. Since You’ve Been Gone by Morgan Matson
This one’s all about friendship, self-discovery, and a bit of romance. It’s a story about Emily, who’s kind of shy and used to living in the shadow of her best friend Sloane.
But when Sloane suddenly disappears, leaving behind just a list of tasks for Emily to complete, Emily is forced to step out of her comfort zone and really start living.
The summer vibes in this book are perfect, and you’ll definitely see some parallels with The Summer I Turned Pretty. The way Emily grows throughout the book is really inspiring, and the romance that slowly builds is just the cherry on top.
3. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
Who doesn’t dream of a romantic adventure in Paris? This book takes you there with Anna, an American girl sent to a boarding school in Paris. She’s not thrilled at first, but then she meets Étienne St. Clair, a boy who’s charming, handsome, and unfortunately, taken.
What I love about this book is the way it captures those feelings of falling for someone in such a unique setting.
The romance is swoon-worthy, and the descriptions of Paris are so vivid you’ll feel like you’re right there. It’s the perfect escape, especially if you’re missing that summer love vibe.
4. The Summer of Chasing Mermaids by Sarah Ockler
This book has a bit of a different tone, but it’s absolutely beautiful. It’s about Elyse, a girl who loses her voice in an accident and feels like she’s lost her entire identity. She escapes to a small seaside town to heal, where she meets Christian, a boy with a past of his own.
The story is inspired by The Little Mermaid, but it’s so much more than that. It’s about finding your voice, healing from past traumas, and, of course, falling in love.
The coastal setting will definitely remind you of The Summer I Turned Pretty, and the emotional depth of the characters will keep you hooked.
5. The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks
You’ve probably heard of this one—especially if you’ve seen the movie with Miley Cyrus. But if you haven’t read the book, you’re missing out. The Last Song is classic Nicholas Sparks, full of heartache, romance, and personal growth.
The story centers on Ronnie, who’s sent to spend the summer with her father in a small beach town.
She’s angry and rebellious at first, but as she reconnects with her dad and meets a local boy, her perspective starts to change. The setting, the emotions, the romance—it’s all very The Summer I Turned Pretty, but with that special Sparks touch.
6. We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
If you’re looking for something a little darker and more mysterious, We Were Liars is the way to go. It’s about a group of friends who spend their summers on a private island, and there’s a mystery that slowly unravels throughout the book.
I can’t say too much without giving it away, but trust me, this one will keep you on the edge of your seat.
The writing is beautiful, almost poetic at times, and the story will stick with you long after you’ve finished. It’s got that same summer setting, but with a twist that’ll make your jaw drop.
7. Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson
Another Morgan Matson book, because she just gets that summer vibe so perfectly. Second Chance Summer is a bit of a tearjerker, but it’s so worth it. It’s about Taylor, who returns to her family’s lake house for one last summer after her dad is diagnosed with terminal cancer.
The book deals with some heavy themes, but it’s ultimately a story about forgiveness, love, and making the most of the time you have.
The lake setting is super nostalgic, and the way Taylor reconnects with old friends (and a past love) is really touching. If you’re ready for an emotional rollercoaster, this one’s for you.
8. The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen
Sarah Dessen is basically the queen of YA romance, so I had to include one of her books on this list. The Truth About Forever is one of my favorites. It’s about Macy, who’s dealing with the death of her father and the pressure of being perfect all the time.
She ends up working for a chaotic catering company and meets a boy named Wes, who helps her see that it’s okay to let go and be herself.
The book is filled with that slow-burn romance we all love, and the characters are so well-written. It’s a perfect blend of lighthearted moments and deeper themes, much like The Summer I Turned Pretty. Plus, the summer setting gives it that extra something special.
9. Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen
Yep, another Sarah Dessen book!
But honestly, she’s just so good at capturing those coming-of-age summers. In Along for the Ride, we follow Auden, a girl who’s spent most of her life being the perfect student, daughter, and sister.
But when she spends the summer with her dad in a beach town, she starts to realize there’s more to life than just academics.
Auden meets Eli, a fellow insomniac, and they spend their nights exploring the town and learning more about each other.
It’s a beautiful story about self-discovery, friendship, and, of course, love. The beach town setting is so cozy, and the romance is just the right amount of sweet and complicated.
10. Love & Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch
If you’re in the mood for something light, fun, and full of wanderlust, Love & Gelato is perfect. The story follows Lina, who’s sent to spend the summer in Tuscany after her mother passes away.
While there, she discovers her mother’s old journal and starts to uncover secrets about her past—and along the way, she meets a charming Italian boy, of course.
The setting is absolutely dreamy, and the mix of romance, mystery, and self-discovery makes this book a total page-turner. If you loved the summer vibes in The Summer I Turned Pretty, you’ll adore the sunny, romantic feel of Love & Gelato.
11. My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick
If you loved the mix of romance and family dynamics in The Summer I Turned Pretty, My Life Next Door is a must-read. The story follows Samantha, who lives next to the Garretts—a big, chaotic family that’s everything her own isn’t.
When she starts a relationship with Jase Garrett, her world is turned upside down, especially as she discovers secrets that could change everything.
This book beautifully captures the complexities of family life and first love, with plenty of drama to keep you hooked. Plus, the summer setting makes it a perfect beach read.
12. The Distance Between Us by Kasie West
Kasie West is fantastic at writing light, fun romances that still pack an emotional punch. The Distance Between Us is about Caymen, a girl who’s grown up in a small town working in her mom’s doll shop.
She’s learned to be wary of rich people, but then she meets Xander, who challenges all her assumptions.
The chemistry between Caymen and Xander is electric, and the book does a great job of exploring the differences between their worlds without getting too heavy. It’s got that same charming, feel-good vibe as The Summer I Turned Pretty, with a touch of humor that makes it a really enjoyable read.
13. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares
This one’s a bit of a classic, but if you haven’t read it yet, now’s the time!
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants is about four best friends who spend their first summer apart but stay connected through a pair of magical jeans that fits each of them perfectly. The story is told from each girl’s perspective, and it’s all about friendship, love, and growing up.
The different settings and experiences of each girl give this book a rich, layered feel. It’s a bit like The Summer I Turned Pretty in that it captures the magic of summer and the bittersweetness of change. Plus, it’s the first in a series, so there’s plenty more to read if you get hooked!
14. Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour by Morgan Matson
Morgan Matson makes another appearance on this list because she’s just so good at writing summer stories!
Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour is a road trip novel with heart. Amy is dealing with the loss of her father and the fallout from her mom’s decision to move across the country. She’s tasked with driving their car to their new home, with Roger, an old family friend, along for the ride.
This book is about healing, adventure, and discovering new possibilities when life takes an unexpected turn.
The road trip setting gives it a unique twist, and the slow-building romance is just right. If you’re in the mood for a journey (both literal and emotional), this one’s for you.
15. What I Thought Was True by Huntley Fitzpatrick
Another gem from Huntley Fitzpatrick, What I Thought Was True is set on a small island where the main character, Gwen, is trying to figure out her future.
She’s spent her whole life in a tight-knit community where everyone knows everyone’s business, and she’s dealing with complicated relationships, including a confusing one with a boy named Cass.
This book has all the elements of a perfect summer read: a seaside setting, complex characters, and a romance that’s both sweet and a little messy.
It’s got that same emotional depth and exploration of relationships that makes The Summer I Turned Pretty so compelling.
16. Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
This book takes you back to the awkward, intense days of first love. Eleanor & Park is set in the 1980s and follows two misfit teens who bond over comic books and mixtapes on the school bus. Their relationship starts off slow but builds into something deeply meaningful.
While it’s not a summer story, the way it captures the feeling of falling in love for the first time is very reminiscent of The Summer I Turned Pretty.
The characters are so real and relatable, and their story is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. It’s a beautiful read that’ll stay with you long after you finish it.
17. The Unexpected Everything by Morgan Matson
Yep, another Morgan Matson book! She’s seriously the queen of summer YA. The Unexpected Everything follows Andie, the daughter of a politician who’s had her summer all planned out—until her father’s scandal changes everything.
She ends up taking a job as a dog walker, which leads to unexpected friendships, self-discovery, and romance.
This book is filled with all the things you love about The Summer I Turned Pretty: relatable characters, a charming setting, and a love story that develops in the most delightful way. Plus, the focus on personal growth and finding yourself is really inspiring.
18. The Moon and More by Sarah Dessen
Sarah Dessen’s books are a staple for anyone who loves YA romance with a touch of depth.
The Moon and More is set in a small beach town, where Emaline is spending her last summer before heading off to college. She’s caught between her longtime boyfriend and a new boy who’s just arrived in town, all while dealing with family issues and figuring out what she really wants in life.
The beach setting and the themes of change and growing up make this book a perfect companion to The Summer I Turned Pretty.
It’s a story about transitions—those moments when you’re on the cusp of something new and trying to hold onto what you’re leaving behind.
19. The Fill-In Boyfriend by Kasie West
If you’re in the mood for something fun and light, The Fill-In Boyfriend is just what you need. The story revolves around Gia, who gets dumped by her boyfriend right before prom.
To save face, she convinces a random guy to pretend to be her boyfriend for the night. But what starts as a simple plan quickly spirals into something much more complicated.
This book is all about misunderstandings, fake relationships, and the complications of social life in high school—much like The Summer I Turned Pretty.
The romance is sweet and funny, and it’s the kind of book that’ll make you smile from start to finish.
20. Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon
This one’s a bit different but still has that intense, heartwarming love story that’s at the core of The Summer I Turned Pretty. Everything, Everything follows Maddy, a girl who’s allergic to just about everything and has spent her entire life inside her home.
But when a new boy moves in next door, she starts to question everything she’s ever known.
The love story between Maddy and Olly is beautiful and poignant, and the way they connect despite Maddy’s condition is really touching.
The book also has some unexpected twists that keep it exciting and emotional, making it a great read if you’re looking for something a bit deeper.
21. We’ll Always Have Summer by Jenny Han
Okay, I know this one’s a bit of a cheat because it’s the third book in The Summer I Turned Pretty series, but if you haven’t read it yet, you absolutely should! We’ll Always Have Summer wraps up Belly’s story in a way that’s both satisfying and heart-wrenching.
Without giving too much away, this book delves even deeper into the love triangle between Belly, Conrad, and Jeremiah.
It’s a beautiful conclusion to the series, and if you’re still thinking about Belly’s summer adventures, this book will give you the closure you need—plus a few more tears.
And there you have it—some amazing books that are perfect if you’re craving more of that The Summer I Turned Pretty magic.
Each of these books captures that blend of summer nostalgia, first loves, and the bittersweetness of growing up.
I promise, they won’t disappoint!
Let me know which one you pick up first—I’m dying to hear what you think!
Happy reading!