Why Does Susannah Die In 'It'S Not Summer Without You'?

Reading 'It's Not Summer Without You' was an emotional rollercoaster, especially with how the story handles loss and grief. The character who dies is Conrad and Jeremiah's mother, Susannah Fisher. Her death isn't just a plot point—it's the heart of the story, shaping everything the boys and Belly go through. Susannah’s battle with cancer is mentioned throughout the book, but her actual death happens before the events of this sequel, casting a long shadow over everyone. The way Jenny Han writes about grief is so raw and real. You feel Conrad’s anger, Jeremiah’s attempts to stay strong, and Belly’s confusion as she navigates her feelings for both brothers while mourning someone who was like a second mother to her. What makes Susannah’s death hit harder is how present she still feels. Flashbacks and memories keep her alive in the characters’ minds, especially during their summer at Cousins Beach. The house itself feels haunted by her absence, and every interaction between the characters is tinged with what they’ve lost. Conrad’s spiral into depression, Jeremiah’s reckless behavior, and even Belly’s conflicted emotions all tie back to Susannah. The book doesn’t just focus on the sadness, though—it shows how grief can push people apart or pull them together, sometimes both at once. The way Han explores these relationships makes the loss feel even more personal, like you’re mourning alongside them.

I just finished 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' and immediately jumped into 'It's Not Summer Without You' because I needed more of that summer romance vibe. Yes, it's absolutely a sequel, and it picks up right where the first book left off, diving deeper into Belly's emotional rollercoaster. The second book feels darker, more intense, with Belly dealing with the fallout of Conrad's distance and Jeremiah stepping into the spotlight. The beach house setting is still there, but the tone shifts—less carefree sunshine, more stormy emotions. Jenny Han has this way of making you feel every heartache and hope, and the sequel amplifies that. The love triangle gets messier, friendships strain, and the Fisher brothers' dynamics become even more complicated. It's a perfect follow-up because it doesn't just rehash the first book; it grows with the characters, making you ache for resolutions while clinging to every page. What I love most is how the sequel explores grief and change. The loss of Susannah hangs over everything, and you see how each character copes differently. Conrad's brooding becomes almost unbearable, Jeremiah's cheer feels forced, and Belly's caught between them, trying to hold onto the summer magic while everything falls apart. The writing still has that nostalgic, lyrical quality, but it's sharper now, like the edge of a seashell. If the first book was about first loves and sunsets, this one's about growing up when the summer ends.

In 'It's Not Summer Without You', Jeremiah's proposal is this impulsive, heart-on-his-sleeve moment that perfectly captures his character. He doesn't plan some grand romantic gesture—instead, it happens during this raw, emotional conversation with Belly at the beach house. The setting itself is nostalgic, filled with all their summer memories, which makes the moment feel both tender and a bit melancholic. Jeremiah pulls out this cheap plastic ring from a convenience store, the kind you'd get from a vending machine, and just asks her. It's not fancy, but there's something painfully genuine about it. He's always been the spontaneous one, the guy who acts on his emotions without overthinking, and this proposal is exactly that—unfiltered and full of hope. The scene stands out because it contrasts so sharply with Conrad's more reserved, calculated approach to love. Jeremiah wears his heartbreak and longing openly, and the proposal feels like his way of trying to hold onto something that’s slipping away. The plastic ring becomes symbolic—it's fragile, temporary, but in that moment, it represents everything he wants. What’s interesting is how Belly reacts. She says yes, but there’s hesitation, a quiet awareness that this might be more about Jeremiah’s fear of losing her than a forever kind of love. The proposal isn’t just a plot point; it’s this messy, human moment that tells you so much about both of them.

I just finished 'It's Not Summer Without You' and the whole Belly-Conrad dynamic had me glued to the pages. The book takes their relationship through such a rollercoaster of emotions that it’s hard not to feel invested. At this point in the series, Belly and Conrad don’t end up together. The story shows them grappling with grief, misunderstandings, and their own personal growth. Conrad’s emotional distance and Belly’s need for something more stable create this heartbreaking rift between them. The beach house setting adds this layer of nostalgia that makes their failed connection even more poignant. What’s interesting is how the book sets up Jeremiah as a viable alternative. He’s there for Belly in ways Conrad isn’t, offering comfort and a sense of security when everything feels like it’s falling apart. The love triangle isn’t just about who Belly chooses—it’s about what she needs at that moment in her life. Conrad represents this idealized first love, but Jeremiah feels more present, more real. The ending leaves things open enough that you can see why some readers might hold out hope for Conrad in the next book, but for now, Belly’s path is taking her in a different direction.

The beach house in 'It's Not Summer Without You' becomes this emotional battleground where past and present collide. Conrad shows up there first, totally wrecked after his mother's death, just wanting to escape everything. Then Belly arrives, determined to fix whatever's broken between them, even though neither of them really knows how. The house itself feels like another character - all those summer memories clinging to the walls, but now everything's different. They tiptoe around each other at first, making small talk that doesn't mean anything, until Jeremiah crashes the party and suddenly all three of them are stuck in this awkward triangle. The real turning point comes when they have this massive fight that's been brewing for months. Belly finally calls Conrad out for pushing everyone away, Jeremiah loses it because he's tired of being second choice, and Conrad just looks devastated because he doesn't know how to admit he's drowning in grief. After the explosion, things get quieter but heavier. There's this moment where Belly and Conrad sit on the beach at night, not talking much but finally being honest in that silence. The house becomes this temporary shelter where they all start facing hard truths - about Susannah's death, about their messed-up love triangle, about growing up and how it changes everything.

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.

I recently finished 'Just for the Summer' and couldn’t get enough of its breezy, summery vibe. The story unfolds in this charming little coastal town called Seaview, where the ocean is always sparkling and the air smells like salt and sunscreen. The author paints this place so vividly—you can practically hear the seagulls and feel the sand between your toes. The town’s got this nostalgic boardwalk with pastel-colored shops, an old-fashioned ice cream parlor, and a lighthouse that’s practically a character itself. It’s the kind of setting that makes you wish you could teleport there for real. The novel’s protagonist, a city girl named Emily, lands in Seaview for a summer job at a quirky beachside bookstore. The contrast between her fast-paced urban life and the town’s laid-back rhythm is a huge part of the story’s charm. The locals are a colorful bunch—fishermen who tell tall tales, artists inspired by the sea, and a grumpy but soft-hearted cafe owner who serves the best clam chowder. The author weaves in little details like the weekly bonfires on the beach and the town’s annual sandcastle competition, making Seaview feel alive and full of secrets waiting to be discovered.