Based on the books by Jenny Han, the show The Summer I Turned Pretty takes a lot of liberty for it's characters as well as side characters makes it more lively unlike other set of teen romcoms like To All The Boys I Loved Before series. While the books mainly focused on the leading trio but the show adds a deeper look into the world with supporting characters that actually add a lot to the plot and the storyline.
The show begins with the biggest and most anticipated change in the lives of Belly, Conrad and Jeremiah. We have already reached the next summer but this time they are not returning to the cousins beach house for a couple of episodes. Between season 1 and 2 Susannah passes away and leaves a gaping whole in the lives of four and half people, the leading trio, Susannah's best friend Laurel and somewhat Belly's brother Steven. We see them going to a messy time but only the kind of mess changes through the episode, the level of messy remains the same.
Belly hates not going to the summer home but after the death of Susannah, she hasn't been feeling like herself. Not when things are worse between her Jeremiah and Conrad. After their happy ending had just began, they relationship with each other has been messy and the moments we only get in flash back but they are always enough to bring Susannah presence more promising.
The crux for season 2 is the house, their last connection to each other and Susannah, and how they are about to lose it. A lot of old characters also make plot convience appearances but it doesn't impact the plot or the storyline. While they are trying to save the house, Belly has her usually back and forth with Conrad and Jeremiah. Which does tend to feel repetitive but what makes the show worthwhile is the supporting characters.
Both Steven and Laurel have a full functional sub plots going on not only their love lives but with college/ work and each other. It makes for a complete watch and watching Steven trying to win over Taylor is the most comic relief you'd find in the show.