Books like 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' to add to your TBR list

From classics to new favorites and so much more

books like the summer i turned pretty, book covers on multicolored background with shot from series
(Image credit: Amazon Studios/Amazon)
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If Belly's adventures left you wanting more, check out books like The Summer I Turned Pretty—YA accounts of love, belonging and, of course, a few embarrassing moments here and there. 

We've all made our way to Cousins Beach for sun and surf, but we can't forget about the other bestsellers calling our name. Once you've finished reading and soaking up the vitamin d, be sure to check out shows like The Summer I Turned Pretty and The Summer I Turned Pretty soundtrack to keep the fun going.

Books like 'The Summer I Turned Pretty'

The summer i turned pretty cast belly and conrad dancing

(Image credit: Peter Taylor/Prime TV)

1. 'The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants' series by Ann Brashares (2001-2007) 

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The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants: The Complete Collection by Ann Brashares
RRP: $32.99, £72.33

<p>The epitome of YA love stories, Brashares' iconic series follows four best friends: Bridget, Lena, Tibby and Carmen as they tackle the world.  <p>Despite losses, heartbreaks and growing pains, the one thing they can count on is each other...and a pair of jeans that mysteriously fits them all. The quartet passes the magical denim to and from one another with the hopes of bringing luck and comfort when they're needed most.

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

The Summer of Broken Rules by K. L. Walther RRP:

The Summer of Broken Rules by K. L. Walther
RRP: $9.89, £8.99

<p>Life has been quite cruel to Meredith Fox. After the loss of her sister, a getaway to Martha's Vineyard with extended family is the comfort she needs.  <p>While there for a summer wedding, the Fox family attempts its usual game of assassin, and Meredith wants to take home the W in her sister's honor. But what happens when a cute groomsman keeps throwing her off her game? <p>Considering the novel is inspired by Taylor Swift's best hits—and <a href="https://www.myimperfectlife.com/features/the-summer-i-turned-pretty-cast-plot"><em>The Summer I Turned Pretty features Swift in spades—we figured this pick would be right up everyone's alley. 

3. 'Sun Kissed' by Kasie West (2021)

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Sun Kissed by Kasie West
RRP: $9.89, £4.82

<p>Summer has its challenges this year: first thing's first, Avery's  best friend commits the ultimate betrayal. If that isn't enough to grapple with, she is forced to attend family camp with her parents and social media-centered sister.  <p>Might as well just call this one a bust, right? Fortunately, there's a cute camp counselor that's about to turn this summer around.

4. 'You Say It First' by Katie Cotugno (2020) 

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You Say It First by Katie Cotugno
RRP: $9.99, £7.99

<p>It seems no good comes from politics these days, but Meg has had wonderful luck working at a voter registration call center.  <p>One day, the Cornell-bound teen ends up on the line with a small-town boy named Colby, who definitely does not have time for her soliciting. But oddly enough, their tense first call won't be their last.  <p>Are these two forming a connection that's just crazy enough to work, or are they barking up the wrong tree?

5. 'All the Things We Never Knew' by Liara Tamani (2020) 

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All the Things We Never Knew by Liara Tamani
RRP: $10.99, £12.35

<p>Carli and Rex are rising basketball stars on their respective high school teams. But it's not all slam dunks when the two realize how difficult love, family and growing up can be.

6. 'You Have a Match' by Emma Lord (2021)

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You Have a Match by Emma Lord
RRP: $9.83, £7.37

<p>Summertime and the living's easy...but not at Abby's adult summer camp. Her bff/crush Leo serves as the camp's co-chef and doesn't make her B.E.I. (big embarrassing incident for the uninitiated) any easier.  <p>Oh, and that's not even half of it. After a shocking DNA test, Abby finds out that she has a sister, the social media sensation, Savannah Tully. Why was she separated from her family, and what exactly are they hiding? 

7. 'Never Saw You Coming' by Erin Hahn (2021)

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Never Saw You Coming by Erin Hahn
RRP: $18.99, £14.60

<p>Imagine discovering that your childhood was not at all what it seems. The unthinkable scenario is Meg's reality.  <p>When she goes out in search of answers, not only does she meet a family that she never knew she had, but she also crosses paths with Micah, a former pastor’s son who is experiencing personal turmoil of his own.

8. 'The Falling in Love Montage' by Ciara Smyth (2020)

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The Falling in Love Montage by Ciara Smyth
RRP: $11.30, £5.56

<p>Cranky Saoirse and rule-breaker Ruby embark on the cliché summer montage of newfound love: first dates, kisses and all the good stuff. Like your favorite rom-coms, theirs is expected to end when the seasons change...but is that going to be possible?

9. 'Annie on My Mind' by Nancy Garden (1982) 

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Annie on My Mind by Nancy Garden
RRP: $9.49, £5.68

<p>Liza and Annie cross paths in the galleries and exhibits at the Met, and soon their newfound friendship turns to love, but not without confusion first.

10. 'Breathless' by Jennifer Niven (2020) 

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Breathless by Jennifer Niven
RRP: 

<p>Claudine is particularly looking forward to going to college...and having sex, more so the latter. All is going according to plan until her parents split and her mother whisks her away to an island. The mosquito-infested location is actually brimming with possibilities: Jeremiah and Claude. She might opt for one of the fellas for sex, but who does her heart ultimately choose?

If you need even more literary guidance, have a look at our 2022 book recommendations. Happy reading!

Danielle Valente
Danielle Valente
Digital News Writer

Need a TV show recommendation? Maybe a few decor tips? Danielle, a digital news writer at Future, has you covered. Her work appears throughout the company’s lifestyle brands, including My Imperfect Life, Real Homes, and woman&home. Mainly, her time is spent at My Imperfect Life, where she’s attuned to the latest entertainment trends and dating advice for Gen Z.


Before her time at Future, Danielle was the editor of Time Out New York Kids, where she got to experience the best of the city from the point of view of its littlest residents. Before that, she was a news editor at Elite Daily. Her work has also appeared in Domino, Chowhound, and amNewYork, to name a few. 


When Danielle’s not writing, you can find her testing out a new recipe, reading a book (suggestions always welcome), or rearranging the furniture in her apartment…again.