Erika Doss/Prime Video (2)
Warning: This post contains spoilers for book 2 of The Summer I Turned Pretty trilogy.
For the second season of The Summer I Turned Pretty, fans are eagerly anticipating the recreation of key moments from the novel. Jenny Han, the show's creator, has taken into account the feedback she has received from fans over the years, using it to determine which elements of the story to focus on in the adaptation.
As the author of the original book trilogy and showrunner of the TV adaptation, Han is driven by the desire to discover a fresh and captivating story that will keep her invested. According to Han, "I ask, 'What will be the most fun and exciting to explore [for me?] Because you as a writer have to feel like you're doing something new." The Summer I Turned Pretty, which debuted on Amazon Prime in July 2022, revolves around Belly's (Lola Tung) love triangle with Conrad (Christopher Briney) and Jeremiah (Gavin Casalegno), the brothers she has spent every summer with since her childhood. While the first season concluded with Belly and Conrad's first kiss, similar to the first book in the series, the next chapter introduces a new dynamic for the primary trio.
Season 2 is set to release in July 2023 with eight episodes dropping weekly. The show is expected to continue loosely following the original story in the second book, It's Not Summer Without You. The story picks up after Susannah's death, causing a rift between the three lifelong friends and straining Belly and Conrad's relationship. Meanwhile, Belly finds herself drawn back to Jeremiah, leading to the tension in the love triangle hitting an all-time high. While Han has stated that the show may not always follow the book's narrative verbatim, she remains open-minded and considering various possibilities for the second season.
The author aims to give actors the freedom to infuse their own unique nuances into the story, while keeping it authentic and relatable. The focal point of the story revolves around the character of Belly, with a larger group of characters, including Steven, Taylor, and Cam Cameron, making an appearance in the adaptation, despite their limited role in the later books.
Fans are eagerly anticipating certain moments from the It's Not Summer Without You book to be brought to life on screen. Among these moments are Belly and Conrad's prom attendance and the passionate kiss shared between Jeremiah and Belly, which was awkwardly witnessed by Conrad. These are the scenes that fans are most hoping to see in season 2 of The Summer I Turned Pretty.
Gavin Casalegno as Jeremiah, Lola Tung as Belly, and Christopher Briney as Conrad on ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty.’ John Merrick/Prime Video
Belly and Conrad Go to Prom
Fans are hopeful they’ll get a chance to see Belly and Conrad attend her prom together before the night ends in shambles — and their subsequent breakup.
The Final Party at Cousins
As the end of their time at Cousins draws near, Belly, Jeremiah, and Conrad decide to throw one final unforgettable party before the boys’ father, Adam (Tom Everett Scott), sells the beach house. The night is filled with chaos, arguments, and tears, and culminates in a drunken phone call to Belly’s mother, Laurel (Jackie Chung).
Belly and Jeremiah’s Big Kiss
After steadily rebuilding their relationship throughout book 2, Belly and Jeremiah finally act on their feelings by sharing a passionate kiss … which Conrad witnesses.
Fans of the show are eagerly anticipating the inclusion of the iconic book moment where Belly's feelings shift and a heated argument between her and Conrad is sparked. Despite technically having their first kiss during season 1, viewers are still holding out hope for this pivotal scene to make an appearance on the TV series.
Conrad and Belly at Cousins in Winter
Belly and Conrad's Christmas getaway to Cousin's beach has become an iconic moment in the book series, endearing them to fans. The duo's cozy one-on-one time at the deserted residence has become an essential part of their character development and a cherished aspect of the story.
Sean Kaufman as Steven and Rain Spencer as Taylor on ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty.’ Erika Doss/Prime Video
Study Session
Belly and Jeremiah support Conrad in an all-night study session to help him pass his college finals and keep the beach house. They test him on various subjects and reward him with cheeseburgers for correct answers. Amidst the intense emotions of the love triangle, this moment of camaraderie offers a brief respite for fans, who are eager to see more of such interactions in the future.
Belly and Jeremiah Making Slurpees Together
One of the key themes in It’s Not Summer Without You is the enduring friendship between Belly and Jeremiah. The novel includes several flashbacks that showcase the pair’s shared past, including a particularly memorable scene in which they attempt to make homemade Slurpees using their family’s fancy blender. Although the project doesn’t go as planned, the moment serves as a testament to the strength of their bond.
Laurel vs. Adam Showdown
The youthful protagonists of the story are determined to prevent the sale of their cherished beach house after Susannah's passing, but it isn't until Belly drunkenly contacts her mother, Laurel, that they make significant progress. Laurel's confrontation with Adam, the boys' father, culminates in an agreement not to sell the property. As the Cousins home is a focal point of the book trilogy, readers are eager to witness the children reclaim their beloved abode.
Susannah’s Funeral
The fate of Susannah in season 2 of the Prime series remains unknown, however, in the second book installment, it is revealed that she has passed away. A significant scene in the novel is when Belly discovers Conrad with his ex-girlfriend at the wake, leading to an uncomfortable confrontation, a heated argument, and Belly declaring her hatred for Conrad and her desire to never see him again.
Jeremiah and Conrad Talk About Belly
After two seasons of unspoken tension between the brothers, Jeremiah finally confesses his feelings for Belly and asks Conrad if he feels the same. Conrad denies it, but Jeremiah can tell he's lying. Despite the strain on their relationship caused by their shared love for the same girl, this conversation marks a significant step towards open communication between the brothers.
Hotel Rain Scene
Belly, Conrad, and Jeremiah find themselves spending a restless night in a motel, still reeling from the tension of Conrad's discovery of their kiss. As the night wears on, Conrad admits that his declaration of having no feelings for Belly was insincere.
While the next day ends with them parting ways. The iconic book scene is one moment fans won’t want left out of the TV series.