Danielle Fishel Cried During Sabrina Carpenter's Concert And, Honestly, Same

sabrina carpenter's concert danielle fishel corey fogelmanis

Whether it be the Friends reunion or Adam Brody and Penn Badgley bonding over Leighton Meester, celebrity reunions warm my heart. This past week we got another mini meetup, this time for Girl Meets World! Taylor Swift's Eras Tour just came to Mexico City and featured Sabrina Carpenter as the opener (you can read Taylor's full tour schedule here).

Knowing how much Sabrina loves Taylor Swift makes the experience special in and of itself, but when I saw that some of her Girl Meets World cast mates came to support her, including Danielle Fishel (who played Topanga on both the original Boy Meets World and the Disney Channel spinoff), I was even happier!

www.youtube.com

"Picture to Burn" by Taylor Swift - cover Sabrina Carpenter

Danielle relived the concert in her Instagram stories on Monday, August 28, and gave us videos both from the floor and the VIP tent. She was already crying before Sabrina even got onstage, which could be chalked up to the fact they played a video of Sabrina singing Taylor's "Picture To Burn" as a child. Precious!

"I naturally burst into tears when the show [started]," Danielle saysin a video.

Sabrina's involvement with the Eras Tour follows her 2022 album emails i can't sent and her latest headline tour. Her opening set includes songs like "Feather," "Tornado Warnings," and the viral "Nonsense."

www.youtube.com

Sabrina Carpenter - Nonsense (Official Video)

emails i can't sent is a driven, vulnerable, and dreamy look at what life looks like post-breakup. We're head over heels obsessed — and we're not the only ones! "I loved every second of her show and ugly cried through most of it," Danielle said in another Instagram story. "I love this woman."

Danielle and Sabrina were also joined by Corey Fogelmanis, who starred as Farkle on Girl Meets World.

Corey and Sabrina have stayed very close since the series ended and continually go viral on TikTok for choreographing dances, doing hilarious bits at Sabrina's shows, and just being amazing friends IRL.

My favorite slide from Danielle's Instagram stories is during "Blank Space" (which I can't wait to hear on 1989 (Taylor's Version) this October), which she's singing with Sabrina and Corey: "It would be impossible for me to love these people more."

What's your favorite number from emails i can't send? Who's your favorite character from Girl Meets World? Let us know in the comments and follow us on Facebook for more fun celebrity coverage.

Lead image via JC Olivera/Getty Images

Taylor Swift has done it again, folks. On August 28, 2022 while accepting her record-breaking third Video of the Year award — and after acknowledging that for the first time, there were four (!!!) women directors in the category — Swift announced that she would be releasing her brand new album Midnights on October 21, 2022. It was her first new album since evermore in December 2020, and with the magical feel of fire and Swift's makeup, we are loving the grunge-meets-glitter aesthetic.

With lyrics like "And it's 2 a.m. and I'm cursing your name" in "The Way I Loved You" and "The lingering question kept me up. 2 a.m., who do you love?" in "Enchanted," we knew this was one concept album Swift would knock out of the park. And she did not disappoint — it's definitely one of her best albums! Keep reading for everything you need to know about Midnights, the Eras Tour, and all her surprise songs.

Is Taylor Swift in Bridgerton?

Image via Liam Daniel/Netflix

Yes, a Midnights song is featured in season 3 ofBridgerton, which drops May 16! "Snow on the Beach" will play during an episode of the series, and considering this is my favorite Taylor Swift song, I am over the moon. Here's the rest of the tracklist for now:

  • “abcdefu” (Gayle) by Vitula
  • “Dynamite” (BTS) by Vitamin String Quartet
  • “Jealous” (Nick Jonas) by Shimmer
  • “Cheap Thrills” (Sia) by Vitamin String Quartet
  • “Happier Than Ever” (Billie Eilish) by Vitamin String Quartet
  • “Snow on the Beach” (Taylor Swift and Lana Del Rey) by Atwood Quartet
  • “Give Me Everything” (Pitbull) by Archer Marsh

How many 2024 Grammy nominations does Taylor Swift's Midnights have?

Image via Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

The 2024 Grammy nominations were announced on November 10 and Taylor Swift got a total of six nominations: Best Pop Vocal Album for Midnights, Best Pop Solo Performance for "Anti-Hero", Best Pop Duo/Group Performance “Karma (feat. Ice Spice)", Song of the Year for “Anti-Hero” with Jack Antonoff, Record of the Year for "Anti-Hero", and Album of the Year for Midnights.

She ended up winning Best Pop Vocal Album — but Taylor Swift's Midnights also won Album of the Year, making her the first person in history to win the award four times. Taylor continues to break records and we are totally here for it!

How many songs does Midnights have?

Image via Jack Antonoff/Instagram

Taylor Swift's Midnights features 13 songs (which also happens to be her lucky number). We finally got the full tracklist on October 7 — or so we thought. After the whole album dropped at midnight on October 21, Swift made a surprise drop of seven extra tracks at 3am!

The album features some collabs. Track 4, "Snow On The Beach," features Lana Del Rey. We're over the moon because this has been a featured artist we've wanted for so long! Not only is Del Rey singing but Dylan O'Brien (who starred in All Too Well: The Short Film) plays the drums on the track.

Swift worked with Jack Antonoff to produce Midnights, and wrote songs with Antonoff, Joe Alwyn, and Zoë Kravitz, among others. Jack opened up to Vulture about the process of recording the album, and admitted his close friendship with Taylor helped the process more than just about anything else — and how Midnights' closer might not have made it onto the album!

"We made the bulk of [Midnights] in my apartment," he says in the interview. "['Mastermind'] a strange little song, and it just reminded me of the kind of thing that you can do with really close friends, whereas if it was a new relationship, you might not be able to dare to suck. Like, just try some weird shit. Because every once in a while, when you really throw yourself out there, you actually get the stuff that’s the most brilliant."

What is the Eras Tour?

Image via Capital One/Taylor Swift/Instagram

This is the first time Taylor Swift has gone on tour since ending the Reputation tour in 2018. Taylor Swift's newest tour covers all of her "eras, stories, songs, and late nights" together. Not only will fans get to see Swift but her opening acts include names like Paramore, Gracie Abrams, and Phoebe Bridgers. We're freaking out. As Miss Swift herself once said, "Baby let the games begin!"

Taylor also announced International Dates on June 20 and the second leg of the US tour on August 3! (Plus some extra Canadian dates November 2!) It's never too late to break out your best Taylor Swift costume and figure out concert tickets 👀.

In her December 2023 Person of the Year profile with TIME Magazine, Taylor talked about how she's known the tour was a big deal from the very beginning.

“I knew this tour was harder than anything I’d ever done before by a long shot,” she says. “Every day I would run on the treadmill, singing the entire set list out loud...Fast for fast songs, and a jog or a fast walk for slow songs.”

Taylor used a program her gym created just for her to help with her stamina, and worked with choreographer Mandy Moore, who BFF Emma Stone recommended. “I had three months of dance training, because I wanted to get it in my bones,” Taylor tells TIME. But instead of only training for endurance, she wanted to train for an even more important reason: “I wanted to be so over-rehearsed that I could be silly with the fans, and not lose my train of thought.”

And that's exactly what happened! Taylor has become so comfortable and confident onstage that she can make funny faces, improv dance moves, and mess around with her background dancers — and the show continues without a hitch. It's genuinely fun to watch and even more fun to recreate her dances! Taylor also admits that after a stretch of shows, she takes an entire day to relax and eat in bed, which might be the most relatable thing she's ever said.

Is You're Losing Me on Spotify?

Yes, "You're Losing Me" is finally on Spotify! In honor of Spotify naming Taylor Swift their Top Global Artist, she released the fan favorite track on streaming platforms. Before November 29, it had only been on exclusive physical copies of Midnights!

What is the Eras Tour Concert Film?

Image via TAS/Disney+

Taylor Swift fans can relive their concert experience thanks to the Eras Tour Concert Film, a fall movie that Taylor says "has been the most meaningful, electric experience of my life so far."

"I’m overjoyed to tell you that it’ll be coming to the big screen soon," Taylor Swift continues in an Instagram post. "Eras attire, friendship bracelets, singing and dancing encouraged." You can stream an alternate version on Disney+ now!

What is Midnights about?

Image via Taylor Swift/UMG

Midnights chronicles over a dozen different sleepless nights throughout Taylor's life. Fans speculated whether it would have a toned-down, alternative sound or be a rock album like the one fans are convinced was supposed to drop in 2016. Turns out, it has more of a dreamy, ethereal pop finish that feels like 1989and reputation's big sister. Once again, Swift masterfully pairs an upbeat, glittery sound with deep and emotional lyrics for an unbeatable combo.

As far as lyrics go, the songs cover the kind of love, heartbreak, and self-loathing that keep Swift (and us) up at night. Our favorite lines so far are "Falling in a dream/Stars by the pocketful" from "Snow on the Beach" and "Draw the cat eye sharp enough to kill a man" from "Vigilante Shit."

"You should find another guiding light, guiding light/But I shine so bright" from "Dear Reader" is another memorable line that reveals how difficult it is for Swift to have so many people looking to her in moments when it feels like her life is falling apart.

Where can I listen to Midnights?

Image via Taylor Swift/Instagram

Taylor Swift had a whole release week schedule full of late night appearances, music video drops, and record + CD drops. You can listen to the album on Spotify and Apple Music.

Are there any exclusive editions?

Image via Taylor Swift Store/UMG

There are three alternate versions of Midnights. The cool thing is that when you put all four together, the images on the back turn into a clock! You can also buy the Midnights and displays. Taylor also announced on May 24, 2023 that her shows in East Rutherford, New Jersey (which she's playing May 26, 27, and 28) would be selling a special edition CD featuring the Midnights vault track "You're Losing Me."

What Songs Are On Midnights?

Image via UMG/Taylor Swift

Swift posted a TikTok on September 21, 2022 where she revealed that she'd be revealing us the names of the tracks one at a time at random. The first track she revealed was Track 13 (of course), titled "Mastermind." And on October 7, we finally got the full tracklist for the standard version.

Midnights Tracklist:

  • "Lavender Haze"
  • "Maroon"
  • "Anti-Hero"
  • "Snow On The Beach" Feat. Lana Del Rey
  • "You're On Your Own Kid"
  • "Midnight Rain"
  • "Question...?"
  • "Vigilante Shit"
  • "Bejeweled"
  • "Labyrinth"
  • "Karma"
  • "Sweet Nothing"
  • "Mastermind"

Additional Songs On Midnights (3AM Edition)

  • "The Great War"
  • "Bigger Than The Whole Sky"
  • "Paris"
  • "High Infidelity"
  • "Glitch"
  • "Would've, Could've, Should've"
  • "Dear Reader"

Additional Songs On Midnights (Til Dawn Edition)

  • "Hits Different"
  • "Snow On The Beach" Feat. More Lana Del Rey
  • "Karma" Feat. Ice Spice

Taylor Swift's Music Videos For Midnights

Image via UMG/Taylor Swift/YouTube

The video for “Karma (feat. Ice Spice)” has SO many looks — and Easter eggs — that it's hard to keep track of all of them! Our personal favorite look is when Taylor's in the lightbulb. 💡

The video for the album opener, "Lavender Haze," was released on January 27 at midnight and features some seriously beautiful imagery. Check out our theory video here!

The video for "Bejeweled," an updated Cinderella retelling, was released on October 25th. This music video is filled to the brim with Easter eggs!

The music video for "Anti-Hero," which follows two separate Taylors who seem to be against each other, was released on October 21.

The Full List Of Eras Tour Dates

Image via Republic Records/UMG/Taylor Swift.

2024 Eras Tour Dates

  • Tokyo Dome (Tokyo, Japan); February 7-10
  • MCG (Melbourne, Australia); February 16-18
  • Accor Stadium (Sydney, Australia); February 23-26
  • National Stadium, Singapore (Singapore); March 2-4; March 7-9
  • Paris La Défense Arena (Paris, France); May 9-12
  • Friends Arena (Stockholm, Sweden); May 17-19
  • Estadio da Luz (Lisbon, Portugal); May 24-25
  • Estadio Santiago Bernabéu (Madrid, Spain); May 29-30
  • Groupama Stadium (Lyon, France); June 2-3
  • BT Murrayfield Stadium (Edinburgh, UK); June 7-9
  • Anfield Stadium (Liverpool, UK); June 13-15
  • Principality Stadium (Cardiff, UK); June 18
  • Wembley Stadium (London, UK); June 21-23
  • Aviva Stadium (Dublin, Ireland); June 28-30
  • Johan Cruijff Arena (Amsterdam, Netherlands); July 4-6
  • Stadion Letzigrund Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland); July 9-10
  • San Siro Stadium (Milan, Italy); July 13-14
  • Veltins-Arena (Gelsenkirchen, Germany); July 17-19
  • Volksparkstadion (Hamburg, Germany); July 23-24
  • Olumpiastadion (Munich, Germany); July 27-28
  • Pge Narodowy (Warsaw, Poland); August 1-3
  • Ernst-Happel-Stadion (Vienna, Austria); August 8-10
  • Wembley Stadium (London, UK); August 15-17; August 19-20
  • Hard Rock Stadium (Miami, FL); October 18-20
  • Caesars Superdome (New Orleans, LA); October 25-27
  • Lucas Oil Stadium (Indianapolis, IN); November 1-3
  • BC Place (Vancouver, BC); December 6-8

2023 Eras Tour Dates

  • State Farm Stadium (Glendale, AZ); March 17 - 18
  • Allegiant Stadium (Las Vegas, NV); March 24 - 25
  • AT&T Stadium, (Arlington, TX); March 31 - April 2
  • Raymond James Stadium (Tampa, FL); April 13 - 15
  • NRG Stadium (Houston, TX); April 21 - 23
  • Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, GA); April 28 - 30
  • Nissan Stadium (Nashville, TN); May 5 - 7
  • Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia, PA); May 12 - 14
  • Gillette Stadium (Foxborough, MA); May 19 - 21
  • MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, NJ); May 26 - 28
  • Soldier Field (Chicago, IL); June 2 - 4
  • Ford Field (Detroit, MI); June 9 - 10
  • Acrisure Stadium (Pittsburgh, PA); June 16 - 17
  • U.S. Bank Stadium (Minneapolis, MN); June 23 - 24
  • Paycor Stadium (Cincinnati, OH); June 30 - July 1
  • GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City, MI); July 7 - 8
  • Empower Field at Mile High (Denver, CO); July 14 - 15
  • Lumen Field (Seattle, WA); July 22 - 23
  • Levi's Stadium (Santa Clara, CA); July 28 - 29
  • Sofi Stadium (Los Angeles, CA); August 3 - 5; August 7 - 9
  • Foro Sol (Mexico City, Mexico); August 24-27
  • Estadio River Plate (Buenos Aires, Argentina); November 9-11
  • Estádio Nilton Santos (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil); November 17-19
  • Allianz Parque (So Paulo, Brazil); November 24-26

Are you excited for Taylor Swift's Midnights? Let us know on Twitter and subscribe to our email newsletter for more entertainment content. You can also check out which Taylor Swift lyric you are based on your enneagram!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Lead image via John Medina/Getty Images

This post has been updated.

Nails breaking constantly? Wishing you didn't have to rely on tips at the salon? Desperate for that long nail look? You’re not alone. Despite it being used as an annoying and vapid phrase women would say in TV shows, breaking a nail is very painful and can ruin a (usually expensive) manicure. But don’t fret — we’ve rounded up five simple ways to get your nails to grow longer and stronger.

What causes weak fingernails?

Photo by cottonbro studio/PEXELS

But first, what causes unhealthy, brittle, breakable nails? A lot of factors that may not instantly come to mind. According to WebMD, these factors can contribute to weak nails:

  • Aging: As we get older, our nails get thinner and can crack or peel.
  • Harsh nail products: Both nail polish and nail polish remover can have strong chemicals that can damage and dry out your nails, leading them to break.
  • Wet nails: Consistently have your hands in water, maybe doing the dishes or bathtime for the kids? This could be drying out your nails.
  • Underlying health issues: Vitamin deficiencies, autoimmune diseases, and many other health issues could be the cause of nails breaking.

How can I strengthen my nails?

Photo by Karolina Grabowska/PEXELS

Dealing with some of these factors? While we can’t help you with the underlying health issues (please see a doctor if you think you may be dealing with something!), there are many easy things you can do to improve your nails and encourage growth.

  • Cuticle oil
  • Biotin
  • Diet
  • Nail protection
  • Avoid picking and peeling
Here's why each factor is important, plus how you can go about successfully achieving them.

Find a Cuticle Oil

You may only use cuticle oil when your manicurist applies it, but that doesn't have to be the case. Cuticle oils are an inexpensive and easy way to promote nail health and growth by keeping your nails hydrated. Cosmetically, cuticle oils encourage longer-lasting manis and leave your nails looking shiny and polished. But they do much more below the surface: cuticle oils create a healthier environment that allows strong growth for your nails.

Interested in adding cuticle oil to your beauty routine? Check our a few of my faves:

Photo via Cora Pursley/Dupe

Explore Biotin

Biotin is an important type of B vitamin that helps our bodies turn food into energy. It’s also one of the top recommended supplements for hair and nail growth, and for good reason. Many scientists say a daily biotin supplement can improve nail strength in as little as a few weeks.

“Since it is water soluble, biotin (or vitamin B7) can’t be stored in the body and must be acquired from diet or through supplementation,” shared Rachel Kilroy, Director of Product Innovation at Solaray, the original pioneers in supplement health and wellness. Solaray has developed a new supplement that provides biotin in a unique way.

Solaray’s Timed Release Biotin strategically supports nail health with a powerful 5,000 mcg of this important nutrient, delivering half of the biotin rapidly and the other half gradually over a period of up to 8 hours for sustained support,” Kilroy continued. “With consistent use, this vegan formula—lab verified for purity and potency—can provide comprehensive support for longer, stronger nails.”

Supplements not your thing? Biotin can be found naturally in many foods, like cooked eggs, whole grains, soy and other beans, nuts and nut butters, salmon, mushrooms, and cauliflower.

Photo via Daniella Cappellari/Dupe

Eat A Nail Friendly Diet

Nails require a balanced, healthy diet for proper growth and strength. According to Medical News Today, making small tweaks to your diet can make a big impact on your nails. Adding in nutrients like more iron or calcium in your diet will have your nails growing long and strong.

Dieticians recommend a colorful diet for nail growth consisting of colorful fruits and veggies, nuts, seeds, eggs, lean meat, avocado, sweet potato, and whole grains.

Photo via Sash Gabriel/Dupe

Protect Your Nails While Wet

Constantly doing dishes, managing bath time, gardening, or swimming? The water may be the cause of your breakage.

Your nails are like sponges, constantly expanding and contracting when water goes in or out of the nail cells. This can strain your nails, causing them to weaken, peel, and then break.

When possible, grab a pair of rubber gloves to wear while cleaning to protect your nails from the water and make sure to fully dry your nails after they’re in water. Hand creams are also a win for your nails after water exposure.

Avoid Picking, Peeling or Biting

Bad habits that are addicting. While peeling off your gel manicure can be so satisfying, it’s one of the worst things you can do for your nails. Same with constantly picking or biting your nails. As someone who used to constantly bite her nails down, I can assure you my nails are much healthier and stronger after kicking that habit.

Want to quit that habit? Try a nail bite deterrent, like this one from ella+mia or this one from LONDONTOWN and watch your nails grow before your eyes.

Looking for more beauty tips and inspo? Be sure to sign up for our weekly email newsletter for more!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Header image via Laura Walt/Dupe

Thanks to Sean Kaufman and Rain Spencer (as well as all the pros behind the camera), the best TV scene of 2023 came out this summer when The Summer I Turned Prettygave us Steven and Taylor (played by Sean and Rain, respectively) dancing to Frank Ocean's cover of "Moon River." I absolutely lost my mind! This series is one of the best teen dramas around, and good news for fans of all things Cousins Beach: we're getting The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3! Here's everything we know about the new TV show— including a look at our convo with lead actress Lola Tung!

When will The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3 come out?

Image via Erika Doss/Prime Video

Jackie Chung (Laurel) and Sean Kaufman (Steven)

We were hoping to see The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3 return in 2024, but thanks to a new post from the official TSITP account, we know the show will drop summer 2025. Okay, TBH that's a total bummer (just because we can't wait to watch!!), but, as the books say, It's Not Summer Without You (er, Belly and her friends).

Lola Tung starred as Euridyce in Hadestown on Broadway until March 17, 2024. During the official press day — which you can watch on TikTok — she told me that while she doesn't know too much about Belly's arc this season, she's just as excited to return to Cousins Beach as we are! "I'm just very excited to be back with everyone and to be able to step back into Belly's shoes, I'm super excited," she says.

Who's going to be in The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3 cast?

Image via Erika Doss/Prime Video

Gavin Casalegno (Jeremiah), Lola Tung (Belly), Christopher Briney (Conrad), Sean Kaufman (Steven) in The Summer I Turned Pretty

Considering the third book, We'll Always Have Summer, revolves around Belly, Conrad, and Jeremiah, we're expecting The Summer I Turned Pretty cast to include Lola Tung, Christopher Briney, and Gavin Casalegno. We're also hoping to see Sean Kaufman, Rain Spencer, Jackie Chung, and Rachel Blanchard again!

After a variety of cast members were spotted around Wilmington, North Carolina, fans were hoping to see Christopher Briney — and it looks like he has finally arrived! "CONRAD FISHERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR IS HOMEEEEEEEEEEE," one X user says along with an image of Christopher Briney.

Where can I watch The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3?

Image via Erika Doss/Prime Video

Christopher Briney (Conrad), Lola Tung (Belly)

The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3 will be available to stream on Prime Video, which is where you can watch season 1 and 2 right now!

Who does Conrad end up with in The Summer I Turned Pretty series?

Image via Prime Video

While we don't know who Conrad will end up with in The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3, there is one theory that suggests his reunion with Belly will be better than ever. Lola Tung, Rain Spencer, Gavin Casalegno, and other cast members have been spotted around Wilmington — all except Chris Briney.@julevere wonders if they're filming in chronological order for one specific reason.

"You don't see Conrad for ages in book 3," she says. "What if Jenny [Han] is doing that on purpose so the actual moment in the show where Conrad and Belly see each other for the first time, [in a way] that's going to be the first legitimate time those two actors as...Belly and Conrad will see each other."

Waiting as long as possible for Lola Tung and Chris Briney to see each other means that Belly and Conrad's reunion will be more intense, and bring up all the old emotions (and infinity necklaces) that came up during season 2. If there's one thing this show has taught me, it's that you can only run from your feelings for so long and as a member of #TeamConrad, I'm hoping any reunion between the two brings them together for potential future seasons.

How old are the characters?

Image via Erika Doss/Prime Video

Lola Tung (Belly) and Christopher Briney (Conrad)

In season one, Conrad is going to be a freshman in college, while the rest of the characters are still in high school. And at the beginning of season 2, Steven graduates from high school!

How many episodes are in The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3?

Image via Erika Doss/Prime Video

Lola Tung (Belly), Christopher Briney (Conrad), and Rain Spencer (Taylor)

The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3 will have 10 episodes instead of eight like the previous two seasons!

Where is The Summer I Turned Pretty filmed?

Image via Amazon Studios/Prime Video

Even though The Summer I Turned Pretty is set on the coast of Massachusetts, the show is filming in Wilmington, North Carolina. This city is actually pretty well known in Hollywood — projects like Iron Man 3,One Tree Hill, and Outer Banks have filmed there! As someone who grew up going to Wilmington every single summer, I can promise you it's just as pretty as it looks (and the fair from season 2 is just as fun!!)

Is there a 4th Summer I Turned Pretty?

Image via John Merrick/Prime Video

Christopher Briney (Conrad), Lola Tung (Belly)

There is not a fourth The Summer I Turned Pretty book, but that doesn't mean the show has to end with season 3. They've already changed a few details from the books — namely, adding the Stephen/Taylor relationship reminds me of how Gossip Girl gave us Chuck and Blair, a fan-favorite ship that wasn't in those books either! I'm excited to see how the story (and the characters) continue to grow and evolve!

The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3 Announcement

Image via Prime Video

Lola Tung (Belly), Rain Spencer (Taylor)

Prime Video announced the renewal on August 3, right before episode five of the second season hit the streaming service. Just like the season two trailer, Taylor Swift's "august" plays in the background and I'm in tears.

“We’ve been delighted to see the passion with which fans have embraced The Summer I Turned Pretty,” Amazon and MGM Studios' head of television Vernon Sanders says in a press release. “Jenny Han is a gifted storyteller, whose fans have been clamoring for the third chapter of this story. We’re excited today to share the news that they have a lot more Summer to look forward to."

Bookmark this page for the latest The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3 news!

Lead image via Erika Doss/Prime Video

This post has been updated.

I've got a thing for Reese Witherspoon's book club which is why I couldn't wait to get my hands on Yulin Kuang's debut novel How to End a Love Story. Chosen as Reese's Book Club's May Pick, it features a romance that almost shouldn't make sense. I mean, when's the last time you realized you trauma bonded with someone? Except Helen Zhang and Grant Shepard's character arcs as well as the entire plot of How to End a Love Story doesn't even feel like that.

Instead, Yulin uncannily peels back the layers of what it means to be a layered human being who happens to be carrying trauma, talent, success, imposter syndrome, and burning desire in their hearts. Even that doesn't scratch the surface of who Helen and Grant are. Trying to capture their essence feels like I'm stumbling over my words which points to how great this novel is and that means Yulin's goal has been accomplished.

Though she loves perfectly executed rom-coms and is fortunate to be working on them in the filmmaking space, she doesn't consider How to End a Love Story as one. "...I was searching for something more aligned with the Brontë sensibility of romance in the writing of this book. Less warmth and charm, more id-level storytelling and unchecked carnal desire," she explains.

Yulin Kuang's Journey To "How To End A Love Story"

Image via Zach Wallnau

Some people seem to be born knowing they're destined to right, but some of us stumble into it and realize, "Hey, I'm pretty good at this." For Yulin, her journey to her debut novel How to End a Love Story takes the latter route. Her first dream, you make ask? To be an Olympic figure skater.

"...that didn't pan out so I turned to storytelling," Yulin admits. That pivot led her to set her sights on becoming an author as she began honing her creative writing skills via your classic marble composition notebooks. If you're still wondering if she kept some of them, the answer is yes!

The screenwriter and author then found herself drawn to other aspects of writing and film. She says, "I eventually fell in love with screenwriting and directing while in undergrad at Carnegie Mellon, and I spent my first decade post-grad concentrating on my filmmaking career."

Yulin Kuang's Approach To Filmmaking

It's a reason why her hard work and the stars aligned for her to adapt Emily Henry's Beach Read and People We Meet on Vacation.

When I ask what helps her approach the book-to-film trajectory, she credits writing fan fiction. This feels similar to Christina Lauren's own experience, further proving that fan fiction deserves the utmost praise for helping some of the best literary and film minds who ultimately birth what I could only describe as masterpieces.

Yulin says, "Fan fiction is where I first learned you could play with characters originated by someone else to discover what you’d make them do in your own version." Although it would be easy for anyone to snap their fingers and have their first pitches accepted by everyone, she learned to lean on what writing fan fiction taught her.

"Early in my career, I would pitch on book-to-film adaptations and I’d be like, 'Change nothing, just shoot the book!' And I wouldn’t get those jobs, because I didn’t have a clear “take” and because you can’t actually just shoot a book – adaptation is an art form unto itself. So onceI started approaching adaptation with more of a fan fiction mindset – 'What is my take on these characters and this world?' – that helped me approach the book-to-screen trajectory more successfully," she proudly says.

However, this doesn't mean she never questioned if she could still find ways to create new ideas. "...in 2021, at a time when everything else I was working on was an adaptation, I found myself wondering if I had anything original left within me," she remembers.

It's natural for creatives to experience moments of doubt, but Yulin has been able to turn the tide and discover untapped ideas in her mind. Just don't expect her to set her own expectations about any adaptations she's working on.

She says, "Know that I am an avid reader of romance and a frequent consumer of this genre across mediums, and I will be bringing everything I know going into these adaptations. But more specifically to Beach Read, which I have more creative ownership over as the writer/director."

How Yulin Kuang Relates To Her Main Characters In "How To End A Love Story"

And since How to End a Love Story is truly Yulin's own creative body of work, it makes sense that main characters Helen and Grant have pieces of her personality as well as her characteristics.

"I gave Helen all my hopes and insecurities from high school and gave her the alternate universe path where I had pursued publishing instead of Hollywood. I examined what might have happened if I’d grown into certain qualities I’ve actively tried to grow away from," she says of Helen Zhang.

Right away, readers get the sense that Helen is a whip-smart and hardworking, but her penchant for being cautious about her success also peeks through. Though she's written highly successful YA (read: young adult) novels, Helen waits with bated breath for the moment people will call her bluff. She's relatable because many of us wonder if we're simply cosplaying as versions of ourselves who've reached any level of success.

On the other hand, there's Grant Shepard. He's seemingly this cool, calm, and collected screenwriter who has a complicated past with Helen. Yulin says, "I gave Grant a lot of the qualities I’m proud of and/or have coveted as a working screenwriter, and I certainly relate to many of his thoughts on screenwriting and the current state of our industry."

The more the reader learns about Helen and Grant, the more it becomes obvious that there's more to them than meets the eye. Sure, they are complicated...but who isn't?

"At their core, Helen and Grant are just two kids from Jersey trying to make it in Hollywood, and of course I relate deeply to that," she says.

Yulin Kuang's View Of Rom-Coms

Based on Yulin's genuine interest in romance novels and the fact she's well-versed in adapting them, she knows what it takes to make rom-coms flourish. Her first take? "Romantic tension is key to any romance – I always need to know why our couple can’t be together now. The second that tension is gone, so is audience interest," she points out.

This explains why we can't get enough of reading books about it, listening to albums dedicated to it, or watching films that depict all levels of romance. Still, there are some people who approach the genre with a side eye.

"There seems to be a natural human suspicion of things that make us feel too good – like, 'That can’t possibly be good for us, that’s just candy!' I wonder if it’s something evolutionary at work," she says before doubling down. "You can’t argue with the fact that people absolutely fucking love rom-coms, and I will die on the hill that a well-earned happily ever after is both harder to achieve and more narratively satisfying when it’s pulled off successfully."

She's the type of writer who really appreciates a big kiss that's handled correctly onscreen, but she's also not afraid to "groan every time it's fumbled." But, she knows everyone still won't see romance the way she and so many others view it, but she doesn't really care.

"Ultimately, I don’t concern myself too much with changing minds that don’t want to be changed.There are enough smart people who recognize the power and value of rom-coms, and I’d rather spend my precious time creating art to surprise and delight the people with good taste."

Need I say that this is yet another reason why How to End a Love Story works so well?

How Yulin Kuang Wishes The World Would Celebrate AAPI Month

As much as she's vocal about screenwriting and rom-coms, Yulin also has thoughts about the way society-at-large talks about BIPOC creative artists. "There’s a real, 'This is important, eat your vegetables,' vibe to things. And while that might be true, it’s not the most appealing way to market or discover art," she says.

She admits this could be due to how many diversity-in-film panels she's attended. As a Black woman, the conversations I see every year during Black History Month seem to have a certain "Let's check this box so everyone can be happy" vibe, so I can imagine attending panels about diversity and inclusion can start to sound repetitive after awhile.

Yulin doesn't hold back when she says, "I’m a little jaded when people ask me diversity questions at this point. I don’t want to attract the kind of readers who are only showing up to be supportive of my Asian-ness. It’s a bit like showing up to a date where someone says, 'I’m so excited that you’re Asian!!!'" This is an analogy I can so get behind because it makes a lot of sense!

It's one thing to have representation, but I like to think it's always obvious when people are approaching the conversation in a way that 'others' BIPOC people. We're literally not asking for a trophy, but more so an acknowledgement that we shouldn't be excluded from conversations, spaces, and careers or treated differently.

This sentiment is shared by Yulin who says, "That’s the thing about me that I didn’t do on purpose, and while I’m glad you’re excited, I hope there are things that I did do on purpose that you find exciting, too" and feels there is a way to be a genuine ally.

"...support AAPI creatives by all means, and perhaps begin by celebrating us as individual artists even after the designated month ends. And where applicable, talk about our work like it’s candy, not vegetables. I’d rather be irresistible than important," she states.

Take a page from Yulin Kuang's book and pick up a copy of How to End a Love Story today! You won't regret it!

Looking for more reading recs? Be sure to check out our storefront for more of our fave books!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Lead image via Amazon

Calling all BookTok, bookstagrammers, and leisurely readers: the Amazon Book Sale has landed! I can barely contain myself because there’s so many great titles — including more than a few picks from Reese Witherspoon’s book club — that Amazon is discounting for it’s special reading crowd.

I know I’ve been stuck on romantasy books for a while (sorry, not sorry!), but there’s so many other great picks you’ll be able to snag on sale. And if you’re a Kindle type of woman, you’re not being left out.

Amazon isn’t leaving any stone unturned with this sale so let’s jump right into what to expect and which books are on sale right now!

When is the Amazon Book Sale?

Image via Amazon

The Amazon Book Sale began May 15 and will end on May 20, so you still have time to add very discounted books to your TBR list!

What should I expect from the Amazon Book Sale?

Image via Amazon

The Amazon Book Sale will feature titles from different genres that you can save up to 50% on. Not only that, but Kindle users can save up to 80% on books! In case you’re wondering, you're not dreaming — this is really, really good.

The best news about the sale is that you can start shopping deals NOW. So, what are you waiting for! Take a peek at our picks!

Are Kindle books included in the Amazon Book Sale?

Image via Amazon

Yes! You'll be able to find a plethora of discounted kindle books during the Amazon Book Sale. The best news is that you can access three months of Kindle Unlimitedfor $0!

Shop Book Editors' Picks During the Amazon Sale

None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell

Alix Summer and Josie Fair quickly become friends after a chance meeting on their birthdays. They seem to have things in common which leads Alix to feature Josie on her podcast. But the closer they get, the more Alix feels conflicted about her new friend.

Before she can piece together her concerns, Josie has found her way into every part of Alix's life and it's only after she disappears that Alix realizes how much danger she's in.

Bad Summer People by Emma Rosenblum

Jen Weinstein and her friend Lauren Parker are ever popular in Salcombe, Fire Island during the summer season. They seem to have a hold on anyone that comes in contact with them, including their husbands. However, there's no denying that grudges have been steadily building over the years due to things unspoken. And Rachel Woolf? Well, she's just there to have a great time even if it's at someone else's expense.

However, who knows more than they're willing to share and who would be so angry that they'd commit a murder?

Weyward by Emilia Hart

Weyward is a moving novel that alternates between various timelines and involves a family's mystical powers.

In the present time of 2019, Kate takes refuge at her great-aunt's cottage that's worlds away from the person she's afraid of. She's not entirely sure, but she can't shake the feeling that there was more to her great-aunt than was outwardly presented.

The timeline of 1619 is then introduced and readers get to know Altha, a woman who's accused of having something to do with a farmer's death. The thing is Altha truly does know magic associated with the world around her, but people are on edge and will do anything to have a witch trial.

Then in 1942, we meet young Violet who feels trapped in more ways than one. She wants nothing more than to live a life that's not confined by hiding behind society's expectations of women. Her only connection to her mother and her past is finding the word 'weyward' in her bedroom, thus setting off a chain of events that lead back to 2019.

Stock Up On #BookTok Favorites

It Ends With Us & It Starts With Us Box Set by Colleen Hoover

For the first time ever, get your hands on the limited edition box set of Colleen Hoover's finest, It Ends With Us and It Starts With Us!

It Ends With Us begins with Lily believing that Ryle couldn't be more perfect for her despite his tendency to be rough around the edges. There's also the fact that he's not 100% open to dating. But, they somehow form a sort of love dance that becomes a romantic relationship. However, this is challenged when her first love Atlas comes back into her life.

It Starts With Us finds Lily and Ryle divorced, but they still communicate on friendly terms. But when Atlas comes into the picture again, Lily doesn't hesitate to let him into her world. It shouldn't feel complicated, but she knows that Atlas is the last man Ryle wants around. The ending is just as shocking, poignant, and beautiful as It Ends With Us.

Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

Still excited that the movie adaptation of Red, White & Royal Blue is getting a sequel that'll premiere on Amazon Prime? Me too, but we'll have to wait for more news to drop about it! Until then, we can revisit our favorite couple by Casey McQuiston's book that's on sale for $15!

House of Ash and Shadow by Leia Stone

Fallon Bane spends a great deal of her life being untouched because of a lethal curse she was born with. Despite her acceptance, she still yearns for intimacy. To make matters worse, her father's own health becomes comprised which leads her to seek out help from a healer fae — Ariyon Madden.

He not only begins helping her, but he always touches her in a way she's never experienced before. Fallon is shocked that she's still ver much alive and things finally seem to look bright for her. That is until Ariyon tells other powerful fae about her.

From there, Fallon learns the truth about who her family is and why her curse exists..

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

Young Feyre commits an offense agains the immortal and very powerful fae that sends her to their magical world. Though she's away from a life of poverty and tension, she misses her family.

Still, she resides in the home of the 'beast' who allows her to live in his home — Tamlin. What she quickly realizes is that he's actually one of the powerful faes and that she's not the kind of prisoner she thinks she is. Even more, she begins questioning everything she'd learned about the Fae world because it's not quite like what mortals say it is.

As the hostility between Feyre and Tamlin dies down, an ancient evil continues spreading through his world and it'll be up to Feyre to help stop it.

Shop More Amazon Book Sale Deals!

The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn

Anna Fox has agoraphobia so she spends time by herself at home by herself and fills her days with drinking, watching comfort movies, and being a nosy neighbor. That's how she knows a new family — The Russells — have moved across from her.

She continues her usually nosy activities and finds herself witnessing something that seems horribly wrong. As she frantically tries to piece together the mystery of what happened, it becomes clear that the lines of her imagination and reality have become blurred.

Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah

Kate Mularkey was never the popular girl until she met her best friend Tully. Their lives are polar opposite, but there's no denying how tight their bond is. Over time we learn that Tully has abandonment issues and looks for anyone — especially men — to love her. Her journey takes her to the big apple where she achieves all the glitz and glamour that life has to offer.

Kate goes on to become a wife and mother, two things she believes she wants, but it becomes clear that she's missing something. That something is what begins to burn a hole in her being and the more she watches her best friend Tully live a successful life, the more she wants that for herself too.

Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng

Elena Richardson and Mia Warren go to warn in this moving novel about classism. It dares to ask readers who deserves to be seen as a shining example of a mother as both women eventually face how far they're willing to go to protect those they love.

For Elena, Shaker Heights is all she's ever known. She's married, has four children, and is well-loved in her community. She believes that she's been able to achieve everything she has because she knows how to be the woman who doesn't color outside of the lines.

On the other hand, Mia is an artist who knows all about creating masterpieces with elements that are otherwise seen as messy. She and her daughter Pearl become a little too close to the Richardsons, finding their lives dangerously intertwined with them.

When a custody battle ensues that involves the young daughter of Mia co-worker, she finds herself willing to dismantle the pretty facade of not only Shaker Heights, but Elena as well.

Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed (Only 2 Left in Stock)

Cheryl Strayed has spent over 10 years dishing out advice as 'Dear Sugar' has touched people with her columns, podcast Dear Sugars, and Substack. Deciding to compile all of the best things she's ever told people, Cheryl Strayed pieced together Tiny Beautiful Things so that readers around the world won't have to look far for her empathetic wisdom.

Georgie, All Along by Kate Clayborn

Georgia Mulcahy is the ultimate people-pleaser and her career is the epitome of it. She'd probably always be that way had it not been for a unexpected career change that sends her packing back home. Begrudgingly, she goes and soon discovers a diary where she once wrote down all of her heart's desires.

This inspires her to start checking things off her life's to-do list so that she can really start living. It's just that Levi Fanning is somehow her unexpected roommate while she's at her parents' home and his offer to help her complete her list feels like something she didn't know she'd encounter.

The more they spend time together, the more Georgie feels like there's more to life than checking off things on a list.

The Mitford Affair by Marie Benedict

The Mitford sisters have always been the talk of the town, but nothing is as shocking as when one of the sisters decides she'd rather devote herself to a fascist leader. Another sister decides it's worth following her and this leads people to whisper salacious things about her alleged relationship with Hitler.

As the war between Great Britain and Germany threaten to spill over, their sister Nancy can't help but wonder what her sisters have gotten themselves into. She'll have to decide where her own allegiance lies.

Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle

Daphne Bell has always known how long she'll be with a man before moving on to the next one. It's not that she's flighty, but more so that the universe literally tells her what to expect. These little nudges have been in her life for over two decades and it's something she's learned to accept.

However, the universe decides to be cryptic by only clueing her in on the name of the next man she'll spend time with. It's odd because if Jake knew the things she did, there's a chance he could walk away from her forever and that's the last thing Daphne wants.

On a Quiet Street by Seraphina Nova Glass

Brighton Hills appears to be a picturesque place to live. It's a community that beautifully blends luxurious living with the gorgeous nature that surrounds it and the neighbors always have their eyes on each other.

However, Cora's desire to find out if her husband is having an affair leads her to form a partnership with Paige. She's the one neighbor that Cora knows keeps a watchful eye on what's going on in Brighton Hills after her son died.

The two women work together to discover what Cora's husband is really up to, but what they may stumble across will send a shockwave through Brighton Hills.

Discounted Kindle Book Deals

Throne of the Fallen by Kerri Maniscalo

The Prince of Envy is struggling to save his demon court in Throne of the Fallen, but he's determined to find a way to do so. He's not afraid of the magic and mysterious people that keep crossing his path because nothing can stop his fierce desire to regain the control he once has.

Things are seemingly no different from Miss Camilla Antonius because she's facing blackmail by someone who literally makes her skin crawl. In order to change her fate, she reluctantly joins forces with The Prince of Envy and thus begins their dangerous journey through the Underworld.

It's the one place that may pull them together in more ways than one.

The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy by Megan Bannen

Hart spends most of his time patrolling Tanria, but the loneliness does nothing to keep him company. Things couldn't be any different for Mercy though. She's tasked with making sure things are running properly at Birdsall & Son Undertakers and doesn't have time for anyone's foolery.

Ironically, Hart and Mercy both have taken up writing mysterious letters to strangers who have become their friends. The thing is they're not aware they've been communicating with each other.

It's a classic enemies-to-loves fantasy novel that'll make you smile with glee.

The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose

Molly Gray is the Head Maid at the prestigious Regency Grand Hotel and runs a tight ship that makes sure the hotel maintains a flair that guests have become accustomed to. All is going well until successful author J.D. Grimthorpe suddenly collapses and is pronounced dead.

This lands Detective Stark — someone Molly doesn't exactly get along with — back on the scene as it's realized there's something terribly wrong going on. Anyone could be a suspect, including Molly. It'll be up to her to revisit things she's kept secret — like the trip she took to Grimthorpe's property long ago.

Happy Place by Emily Henry

Emily Henry knows exactly what it takes to write a moving novel that's filled with friendship, laughter, and romance. That's why it's not surprising that Happy Place is well loved by #BookTok and #Bookstagram.

It's all about how a once happy couple — Harriet and Wyn — find themselves embroiled in an interesting ruse so their friends don't suspect something's wrong with them. The fact is that they're no longer together and can barely stand being in the same room anymore.

It would be find if they weren't expected to happily show up to the cottage that's become the yearly hub for them and their friends. Still, they begrudgingly decide to make an appearance.

What's the worst that could happen?

For the first time, you'll be able to read Happy Place on Kindle for $5!

We can't wait to see what you snag during the Amazon Book Sale! Check out our storefront for more reading recs!

Brit + Co. may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Lead images via Amazon

This post has been updated.