Is 'Big Summer' Based On A True Story?

The ending of 'Big Summer' wraps up with Daphne finding her true self after all the chaos. She starts the summer as an insecure influencer but ends it realizing social media isn't everything. The murder mystery gets solved—turns out the victim was involved in some shady business, and the killer wasn't who anyone expected. Daphne reconnects with her estranged friend Drue, and they mend their friendship in a raw, emotional scene. The book closes with Daphne walking away from toxic relationships and embracing her flaws. It's a satisfying ending that mixes growth, closure, and a hint of new beginnings without being overly sweet.

The setting of 'Big Summer' is a perfect blend of modern-day coastal vibes and emotional depth. It primarily takes place in a picturesque New England beach town during summer, where the Atlantic breeze carries both salt and secrets. The protagonist returns to her childhood home, a place filled with nostalgic memories and unresolved tensions. The local diner with its peeling paint, the boardwalk bustling with tourists, and the quiet, private beaches all play crucial roles. The contrast between the vibrant summer festivities and the protagonist's internal struggles creates a rich backdrop. The ocean isn't just scenery—it mirrors her emotions, sometimes calm, sometimes stormy. The town's gossipy nature adds pressure, making every interaction loaded with history.

I'd slot 'Big Summer' firmly into contemporary fiction with a strong romantic subplot. The book blends elements of women's fiction and beach read vibes, focusing on complex friendships and self-discovery. What makes it stand out is how it juggles emotional depth with lighter moments—think messy relationships, coastal settings, and personal growth arcs. It's got that quintessential summer novel feel where drama unfolds against sunny backdrops, but the character dynamics elevate it beyond fluff. The protagonist's journey mirrors classic coming-of-age themes, just with adult characters navigating love and betrayal. If you enjoyed 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' but want more mature stakes, this hits similar notes.

In 'Big Summer', the main antagonist isn't some obvious villain lurking in the shadows—it's Daphne Berg, the protagonist's former best friend turned social media queen. She's the kind of toxic person who weaponizes charm, using her influencer status to manipulate everyone around her. What makes her dangerous isn't physical threats but psychological games—backhanded compliments, carefully leaked secrets, and public humiliation disguised as 'funny' posts. Her obsession with perfection and control turns a simple beach wedding into a minefield of drama. The brilliance of her character lies in how relatable she feels; we've all known someone who smiles while twisting the knife.

I just finished reading 'Big Summer' and was curious about any follow-ups too. From what I've gathered, there isn't an official sequel or spin-off yet. The novel wraps up pretty conclusively, but Daphne's journey leaves room for more stories. The author hasn't announced any plans for a continuation, but fans are hopeful. Some speculate a spin-off focusing on Drue's backstory could be interesting, given her complex character. The publisher's website and author interviews don't mention anything, so it might be a waiting game. If you loved the beachy vibes, try 'The Summer Job' by Lizzy Dent—it's got similar witty humor and scenic settings.

Summer glow-ups start with skincare! I’ve been obsessed with hydrating mists and SPF 50 sunscreen to protect my skin from UV damage. Mornings include cold jade rollers and green tea toners for that dewy look. Evenings are all about retinol serums and gua sha massages. I also mix in weekly DIY masks—turmeric for brightness, honey for moisture. Hydration isn’t just external: coconut water, herbal teas, and cutting back on salty snacks keep me glowing from within. Oh, and swapping heavy makeup for tinted moisturizer lets my skin breathe! "

I remember reading 'Just for the Summer' and falling in love with its lighthearted romance and summer vibes. From what I’ve gathered, there hasn’t been an official sequel released yet, which is a shame because the characters had so much potential for further development. The story wrapped up nicely, but it left me craving more—like seeing how the relationship progresses beyond that magical summer or exploring new adventures with the side characters. Sometimes authors revisit worlds years later, so I’m keeping my fingers crossed. Until then, I’ve been diving into similar contemporary romances to fill the void. Books like 'The Summer of Broken Rules' or 'People We Meet on Vacation' have that same warm, nostalgic feel. What’s interesting is how standalone romances often leave room for imagination. Without a sequel, fans can theorize about what happens next, and that’s part of the fun. The author might drop hints on social media or in interviews, but for now, 'Just for the Summer' remains a self-contained gem. If a sequel does get announced, you’ll probably find me at the front of the pre-order line, ready to revisit those sunny days and sweet moments.

The death in 'We'll Always Have Summer' hits hard because it's Conrad Fisher, one of the Fisher brothers who've been central to Belly's life. This isn't just some random character exit—it reshapes the entire dynamic between Belly, Jeremiah, and their shared past. Conrad's death happens off-page, which makes it more haunting. The aftermath shows how grief fractures relationships differently: Jeremiah becomes reckless, trying to fill the void with distractions, while Belly clings to memories, questioning every 'what if.' What's brutal is how the story doesn't romanticize loss—it shows the messy, ugly side of mourning, like when Belly snaps at Jeremiah for wearing Conrad's old sweatshirt. The funeral scene, where Jeremiah breaks down sobbing during his eulogy, stays with you long after reading.