Tessa Bailey's It Happened One Summer is widely praised for its charming romance and witty banter, capturing readers with its heartwarming transformation of the protagonist. However, some reviews note that the plot can be predictable and the character development somewhat cliché. Overall, it delivers a delightful escape with a feel-good storyline.

Readers who relish lighthearted yet heartfelt contemporary rom-coms will enjoy It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey. Fans of Emily Henry’s Beach Read or Christina Lauren’s The Unhoneymooners will appreciate the book's quirky characters, witty banter, and coastal setting, ideal for a feel-good escape.

It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey follows wealthy socialite Piper Bellinger as she's sent to the small fishing town of Westport, Washington after a party scandal. Tasked with running her late father's bar, Piper clashes with and eventually falls for local fisherman Brendan Taggart. As they navigate their personal differences and growing attraction, both characters undergo significant personal growth and find love. The novel includes graphic sex and adult language.

Romantic / Humorous / Emotional / Adventurous / Heartwarming

- The book It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey is inspired by the TV series Schitt's Creek, particularly by the character Alexis Rose.
- Tessa Bailey wrote It Happened One Summer during the COVID-19 pandemic, and she aimed to provide readers with a fun, escapist romance that offered a break from reality.
- It Happened One Summer marks the start of a duology, with the sequel titled Hook, Line, and Sinker continuing the story with different characters from the same universe.

**Piper Bellinger**  
A 28-year-old, blonde, blue-eyed woman from Los Angeles who starts off as a party girl but grows through her experiences in Westport, learning about her family history and finding connections that challenge and shape her character.

**Brendan Taggart**  
A steadfast and dependable fisherman and captain from Westport who is deeply rooted in his routines but finds his life altered when he meets Piper, leading to unexpected challenges and personal growth.

**Hannah Bellinger**  
Piper’s younger sister, known for her loyalty and love of music, who supports Piper in her journey while maintaining a more private and less glamorous lifestyle.

**Henry Cross**  
Piper and Hannah’s deceased father, a former fisherman and bar owner, whose past and connection to Westport play a crucial role in the sisters’ journey of discovery.

**Opal Cross**  
The grandmother of Piper and Hannah, living in Westport and offering them insights into their family history, which fosters a deeper understanding of their roots and identity.

Tessa Bailey

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Bellinger Sisters

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Chapters 1-5

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Chapters 6-11

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Chapters 12-14

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Chapters 15-18

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Chapters 19-22

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Chapters 23-27

It Happened One Summer Chapters 23-27 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 28-Epilogue

It Happened One Summer Chapter 28-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

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It Happened One Summer Character Analysis

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