*This review may contain spoilers for those who have not yet read the first book in this trilogy, The Summer I Turned Pretty.

Every summer, Belly anxiously waited for her chance to go to the summer house. It was a part of her, and nothing could ever change that.

Yet, when Susannah’s cancer comes back and Conrad becomes cold and distant, Belly begins to realize that maybe she doesn’t want to return to Cousins Beach after all. So she stays away, until one night, Jeremiah calls her in a panic - Conrad disappeared.

Knowing she has to at least try and make things right, Belly embarks on a trip back to the summer house, where it all began. If this summer truly is the very last summer, it should end the way it all started: the three of them together.

I truly love this series. There are times where I wish I could live in the beach house next to the sea and sand in Cousins Beach. What a dream! Personally, Belly is one of the first female characters I could completely relate to. She was strong and funny, but still human. Still flawed. It was also one of the first times I’d heard someone describe losing a person you love so accurately.

I really appreciated that.

Honestly, I believe this is a book you, reading this, should read. It’s honest and joyful, and accurately depicts what it’s like to grow up. Seriously, I strongly suggest you go read this series right now!

If It’s Not Summer Without You piques your interest, I would look into authors such as Morgan Matson, Sarah Dessen and Jenna Evans Welch. Also, try Jenny Han’s other popular series, To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before!