The Summer I Turned Pretty creator reveals some necessary steps to keep the series different from the books

The Summer I Turned Pretty has become a comfort watch for many, thanks to its emotional coming-of-age story, love triangle drama, and dreamy summers at Cousins Beach. Now, as Season 3 arrives on July 16, 2025, fans are gearing up for a finale that promises both familiar feelings and unexpected turns.

This season is based on We’ll Always Have Summer, the final book in Jenny Han’s original trilogy. But as the showrunner herself explained, the adaptation won’t follow the book word-for-word. Instead, it will capture the heart of key moments while reshaping them to suit the screen and today’s viewers.

Han wants to honor what longtime fans love, but with fresh twists. Some scenes may not unfold exactly as in the novel, but the emotions will still hit home. Rather than aiming for a perfect ending, she’s focused on one that feels hopeful and true to how these characters grow and change.

Keep reading to know what the beloved author said.

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The Summer I Turned Pretty author hints at changes in the Prime Video series

Recently, Jenny Han emphasized that key scenes from the final book were too important to omit, but in Prime Video's The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3, they may play out in slightly altered form to maintain emotional authenticity.

While the arc of Belly getting engaged to Jeremiah and Conrad reentering her life remains in place, the timing and tone of these moments are adapted to fit a matured Belly navigating her early twenties.

Han has said that long‑time fans can expect some of their cherished scenes but the series may reshape them, keeping readers engaged without feeling predictable. The author said:

"I think that there are a couple of moments that people really love from the books that I knew people were wanting to see."

She continued:

"But it might not always happen the way that you were expecting..."

For instance, in the books, Conrad’s return to Belly’s life leads directly to heartbreak followed by reconciliation years later. But in Prime Video's The Summer I Turned Pretty, Conrad has already distanced himself, which leads to tension and a surprising reunion.

Also Read: The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3: Most fans missed this easter egg hinting at who Belly ends up with

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Why the changes in The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3 actually matter

Beyond plot shifts, Jenny Han has explained that as the characters have grown into adults, her approach to storytelling has shifted, too. While she still wants to honor the characters’ journey, she refuses to present them with neatly tied endings. She said:

"I like a hopeful ending. I don't like too neat of an ending, personally."

Jenny Han has made it clear she isn’t a fan of overly neat endings, especially when it comes to a love triangle, where someone’s bound to get hurt. She believes young audiences deserve hope in their stories, but not in a way that feels fake or too perfectly wrapped up.

In her own words, Belly "doesn't" have to choose one brother. When asked about Belly's endgame in The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3, Han pushed back against the idea that Belly really doesn't have to pick one.

Han explained that Belly not making a clear choice might actually reflect the real emotional complexity of love. She pointed out that no matter what, someone will end up hurt, and that’s what makes the story bittersweet.

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Also Read: The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3 release schedule: When do new episodes of the Prime Video show drop?

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