Last year’s hit drama “The Summer I Turned Pretty” was highly praised by viewers of all ages. The story centered around two close-knit families who spend the summer months together at a beach house each year. The kids, three boys and one girl, were like siblings — until this one particular summer when Belly (Lola Chung) arrived with her brother Steven (Sean Kaufman) to join brothers Conrad (Christopher Briny) and Jeremiah (Gavin Casalegno).

This summer, Conrad and Jeremiah did not see Belly as their almost-sister. She had grown up over the winter and blossomed into a beautiful young woman. This one change, along with raging hormones, pitted the two brothers against each other for Belly’s affection.

That was last year. This summer is different in some ways and the same in others. As the season opens, Susannah (Rachel Blanchard) has passed away leaving Laurel (Jackie Chung) and the four kids grieving as they try to move forward with their lives. Unfortunately it was Susannah who was the stalwart adult and anchor of the group. Things are falling apart without her.

Without Susannah, what will happen to their summers? Will they continue to meet at their beloved beach house and enjoy the warmth of the season together? Or will their grief prevent them from reenacting their good times and keeping traditions alive?

Those questions will be answered as the season progresses. Unfortunately, it is impossible to give details about the episodes and all of their relationships without any spoilers, and this series is too enjoyable to spoil anything. So let’s just say that there is still a love triangle between Belly, Conrad and Jeremiah. And there is a surprising new love connection within the group. Actually, there are a couple new pairings, which add to the fun of the season.

Teen angst is abundant as the parent/child relationships are fraught with strain. Conrad and Jeremiah are at odds with their father while Belly and her mom are not getting along. Steven seems to be the stable force in that family while the two grieving brothers try to get past the absence of their mother. Their brotherly bond is still broken after last season’s triangle, though, so will they recapture the closeness they once had? Or is that a lost cause?

This is a bit vague, but with the strong appeal of the series it is imperative not to divulge any spoilers. Viewers will just have to tune into Prime Video to get all the answers and watch the drama unfold. And believe me, there is plenty of drama in this season. As a reviewer I have watched the entire season and can definitely recommend it for fans of the books and season one.

Season 2 of “The Summer I Turned Pretty” premiered July 14 with the first three episodes, and the remaining episodes drop weekly until Aug. 18 on Prime Video.

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