The Summer I Turned Pretty

The summer that Belly Conklin turns sixteen is unlike any other. Every year, Belly, her mother, and her brother spend the summer at Cousins Beach, staying at the beach house owned by her mother's best friend, Susannah Fisher. This summer, however, feels different from the start. Belly has always been the younger, awkward girl tagging along with her older brother Steven and the Fisher boys, Conrad and Jeremiah. But this year, something has changed. Belly has grown up, and she is no longer the little girl everyone remembers.

As soon as Belly arrives at the beach house, she senses the shift in the atmosphere. The boys, who used to see her as a nuisance, now look at her differently. Conrad, the brooding and mysterious older brother, and Jeremiah, the fun-loving and easygoing younger brother, both start to notice Belly in a new light. This change in perception is both thrilling and confusing for Belly, who has always harbored a secret crush on Conrad.

The beach house itself is a place of nostalgia and comfort for Belly. It is where she has spent every summer of her life, creating memories that she cherishes deeply. The house, with its familiar rooms and the scent of the ocean, represents a sanctuary from the outside world. However, this summer, the house also becomes a backdrop for Belly's emotional journey and the complexities of growing up.

Belly's mother, Laurel, and Susannah have a close-knit friendship that has always provided a sense of stability and warmth. The two women share a bond that transcends the years, and their relationship is a cornerstone of Belly's summer experiences. This year, though, there are undercurrents of tension and unspoken worries that Belly begins to notice. Susannah's health is a concern, and the adults' attempts to shield the children from the truth only add to the sense of unease.

As Belly navigates the changing dynamics of her relationships with Conrad and Jeremiah, she also grapples with her own identity. The summer becomes a time of self-discovery, where Belly learns to assert herself and understand her own desires and emotions. The transformation from a girl to a young woman is marked by moments of joy, heartache, and realization.

The introduction to Belly's summer sets the stage for a season of growth and change. It is a time when the past and present collide, and Belly must confront the realities of love, friendship, and family. The idyllic setting of Cousins Beach, with its sun-soaked days and starry nights, becomes the backdrop for a pivotal chapter in Belly's life.