Julie's Summer is set in Greene County in southern Indiana at the end of the Depression. The action focuses on a rural small town with no electricity.

The smallness of the community in which Julie lives following graduation contributes to the behavior of the people. They know a great deal about their neighbors and have a general mistrust of newcomers. As a result of the Depression, people have little money for diversions, consequently scrutiny of others becomes a common pastime.

Julie struggles to stay true to herself and her own feelings in this narrow minded, gossip riddled setting.