The highly anticipated final season of The Summer I Turned Pretty is now streaming on Prime Video, and fans of both the books and the show are eager to see how the story unfolds for Belly Conklin and her complicated love life with Conrad and Jeremiah Fisher.
Based on Jenny Han’s bestselling trilogy, the series follows Belly as she navigates her romantic feelings for the two brothers. The third season of the show, which is based on We’ll Always Have Summer, dives into Belly’s ultimate decision between the two. But, how does the story conclude in the book series?
Warning: Major spoilers ahead!
What is the Last The Summer I Turned Pretty Book?
The third book in the series, We’ll Always Have Summer, was released in 2011 and marks the conclusion of Belly’s journey with Conrad and Jeremiah. This final installment takes place two years after the events of the second book, It’s Not Summer Without You.
In the earlier book, Belly finds herself in a relationship with Jeremiah after her heart breaks over Conrad. But, by the time We’ll Always Have Summer begins, Belly is once again torn between her past love, Conrad, and her present relationship with Jeremiah.
Who Does Belly End Up With in the Books?
By the end of the Summer I Turned Pretty book series, Belly ultimately chooses Conrad.
Even though Belly is deeply in love with Jeremiah, the bond she shares with Conrad, her first love, proves to be too strong to ignore. Despite her almost certainty that Jeremiah is her soulmate, Belly’s heart remains with Conrad, the boy she’s known since childhood.
“I have a stronger memory of high school love than I do of some people in my 20s,” author Jenny Han said in an interview. “There’s something so potent and powerful about being really young, never having been bruised by love before, and going into it so wholeheartedly without fear.”
In the book’s final pages, Belly and Conrad are married when she’s 23, marking a return to Cousins Beach where their love story first began. After their wedding, Conrad carries Belly into the ocean, echoing their childhood days. The book ends with Conrad saying, “I go wherever you go,” signifying the start of their life together.
Does Jeremiah Cheat on Belly in the Books?
While the situation in the book is somewhat different than in the show, Jeremiah does cheat on Belly. In We’ll Always Have Summer, Belly overhears a conversation at a party where it’s revealed that Jeremiah hooked up with Lacie Barone during a time when he and Belly were briefly broken up.
Belly confronts him, and while Jeremiah insists that he thought their breakup was permanent, Belly is devastated. The betrayal leads to a breakup between the two.
In the show, the situation is escalated further, with Jeremiah actually cheating on Belly twice.
Does Belly Get Engaged in the Books?
Yes, Belly does get engaged to Jeremiah in the book series. After their brief split, Jeremiah proposes to Belly, and she says yes. However, as the wedding approaches, Belly is confronted with Conrad’s feelings, and the reality of her own love for him.
The proposal scene mirrors the season 3 premiere of the show, where Belly accepts Jeremiah’s proposal. But, as in the book, Belly’s heart is still with Conrad, and the wedding is ultimately called off.
Does Belly and Jeremiah Get Married in the Books?
No, Belly and Jeremiah do not get married in the books. In a heart-wrenching scene, Conrad confesses his love for Belly the morning of the wedding. He tells her that he still loves her and begs her not to marry Jeremiah. Jeremiah and Conrad fight, with Jeremiah ultimately realizing that he’ll never be Belly’s first choice.
Belly breaks off her engagement, and the book flashes forward to Belly and Conrad’s wedding years later, when they are 23. The wedding at Cousins Beach symbolizes the beginning of their life together, leaving the Jeremiah and Belly chapter closed.
What Happens to Jeremiah and Conrad After the Breakup?
Following their fight, Jeremiah and Conrad’s brotherly bond is shattered. Jeremiah declares, “You’re dead to me,” and refuses to attend Conrad and Belly’s wedding. However, years later, Jeremiah is invited to Conrad and Belly’s wedding as a guest, though their relationship is never fully repaired.
What Happens to Belly After She and Jeremiah Break Up in the Books?
After breaking up with Jeremiah, Belly moves forward in her life. She lives with her friend Anika and spends time abroad in Spain, where she reconnects with Conrad through handwritten letters.
It isn’t until Belly’s college graduation that she finally reunites with Conrad, and they are able to rekindle their romance, leading to their engagement and marriage.
Who Does Belly Marry in The Summer I Turned Pretty Book Series?
At 23, Belly marries Conrad at Cousins Beach. The wedding is simple, and instead of rushing to the reception, they run into the ocean, just like they did when they were kids. The book ends with Conrad carrying Belly into the ocean, reaffirming their love and commitment to each other.
