In typical Weiner fashion, Big Summer is a character relationship focused book- but atypical to Weiner writing is a suspenseful plot line! Daphne and Drue were “best” friends growing up, until one unforgivable night that had Daphne vowing she would never speak the name Drue again. ⁣
⁣
Low and behold, six years later, Drue (short on the friend front) begs Daphne to be the maid of honor in her high profile wedding. Forever the forgiver, Daphne obliges... knowing the sacrifice won’t hurt her growing fashion Instagram. As she attempts to build back her friendship with Drue, Daphne also finds herself uncovering pieces of her former best friend’s life that help her to see a new side of her. ⁣
⁣
This is a bit of a whodunit, a bit of a steamy romance, and a friendship and forgiveness story, this one will surely top my summer favorite list. ⁣

She did it again! With Big Summer, Jennifer Weiner captures the essence of female friendships — and insecurities.

The story begins with a prologue of a single mother living with her son in a cottage on Cape Cod, then shifts to 2018 where we begin to follow Daphne’s story. We shift through time a bit, learning about Daphne’s childhood, how she became a social media influencer, and her complicated friendship with Drue Cavanaugh, all of which leads her to saying yes to Drue’s request of being maid of honor at her upcoming wedding on Cape Cod.

A twisty whodunit follows, while we learn more about both Drue and Daphne. This book is fast paced, easy reading perfect for your own Big Summer beach or poolside reading!

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria books for the advanced reader copy!

This was my first Jennifer Weiner book, even though I’ve had Mrs. Everything sitting on my bookshelf for ages. I really enjoyed it! I didn’t know anything about it before diving in (one of my favorite things to do, apparently) and this book actually read like two. The first part was heavy on women’s fiction and the second half was more of a thriller. In the women’s fiction half, I loved that the story touched on female friendship as well as body image and weight – I felt seen. I didn’t love the Mean Girls vibes, but I do think it was necessary to thicken the plot and get a sense of who Drue was. Once I got to the thriller portion, I flew through the rest of the book. I could not and did not guess the killer before the author told me who it was, which is my sign of a good thriller. Over all, I think this book has a little something for readers of all genres.⁣

This is the perfect book to put you in a "big summer mood"! Big Summer is not just a fluffy beach read. It explores complex female friendships, body image, and online portrayal. I was drawn in immediately by this book, and it will definitely be one of my favorites of the year. It has everything you could want--"feel good" elements, romance, a mystery, and a lot of heart. It does rely very heavily on elements of social media culture, so if that's not your thing, you may have a harder time with it, but I couldn't put it down. Another great read from Jennifer Weiner!

What a great book this was! It touches on several important topics that are relevant to the times in which we live. Body image and how tough we are on ourselves, being insensitive or rude about body types, the good and bad of social media (particularly when it comes to influencers) and how people’s lives aren’t always as great as they may appear. Even when someone appears to have it all, you can be sure that you don’t know their struggles. And there’s even more.
I really liked the main character, Daphne. She was working toward accepting her body and being comfortable in her own skin. The author gave such a good view of what that struggle is like. How that voice in Daphne’s head was waiting to criticize and how she worked to block out other people’s opinions about her body.
The story itself sure held a big surprise. I really wasn’t expecting it—and I mean that in the best way! I feel like the last 30% dragged a little, but not too bad. Pick this one up. My bet is that you’ll enjoy it!

When Daphne's former best friend requests her presence as maid-of-honor at her East coast society wedding, Daphne can't exactly say no. The former friends fall back into their old routine and head to the beach for the big celebration. Things seem to be going well and Daphne even meets a new guy, but the morning of the wedding day, everyone is awoken to a major shock! From there, the twists keep on turning!

You guys, I don't know. This didn't do it for me.

I can't believe that the only other Jennifer Weiner book I've read is Mrs. Everything, but the amount that I loved that book indicated to me that I would adore this one. Plus, all the rave reviews from people I trust saying that this tackles important issues about body positivity and female friendships and more!

But there was something that just seemed so surface-level to this book about me, dancing around these topics without really going in-depth like she did in Mrs. Everything, and instead focusing on this murder mystery that appears midway through the book. I would have much preferred one or the other - either a fun beach ready whodunit/amateur investigation like The Perfect Couple or Conviction, or a more focused reflection on women's bodies, being an influencer, female friendships, mean girls, reconnecting, self-discovery, etc. This book has promise as both, but doesn't do either storyline justice.

It's hard to give away more about the story without crossing the line into Spoilerville, so I'll refrain. But I'll add that I didn't connect with any of the characters like I connected with Jo and Bethie in Mrs. Everything - everyone here, even our narrator Daphne, was just shallow and uninteresting to me. There are a few major characters who get introduced rather late in the game, and the story revolves to center around them, but I didn't feel like I knew or sympathized with them at all.

This was a fast read, and I admit that I stayed up late reading because I needed to know what happened. But to me, it felt entirely forgettable - even a day later, I'm left wondering what I actually read. (Side note, I don't love the title "Big Summer" here. Is it because Naomi is plus-size and this book takes place during the summer?) Given how much I loved Mrs. Everything, I'm definitely going to keep reading and trying other books by Weiner. This one just didn't do it for me! Thank you to Atria for the ARC.

Jennifer Weiner at her BEST!!! This is not a breezy summer beach read....it is soooooo much deeper. The author takes on BIG issues like fat shaming, bullying and social media pitfalls. Fans of Jennifer Weiner will absolutely devour this book. I would definitely suggest fans of chick lit read this one. Bravo Jennifer Weiner!!!!

Cute summer story. Felt like 2 different books. First half was more what I had in mind for JW and second half felt disconnected from what happened before. Overall a fun read.

Oh, Jennifer, I feel we are on a first name basis. Jennifer, you have done it again to me. This was an amazing wild ride! You cannot give too much detail or you will give it all away. First, when Jennifer Weiner writes a love scene it is always classy. But, my goodness, in this book, I felt like I needed a cigarette after it was over, and I have never ever smoked before. Then there is the sad story of our main character and what I liked to call the evil stepmother. That is what is wrong with us today, always being told if we are hungry we are winning. Growing up in a diet focused family I get it. Then there is a murder mystery too! This book has so much. The friend we think who loves us, but then acts like they are doing us a favor, the ability to come back from a terrible experience and shine. And also, I want this designer to be real, because I want her clothing line! I have been blogging about this book since I got it, and it is all I can talk about. Thank you to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for the honor of reading this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Six years after the fight that ended their friendship, Daphne is shocked when Drue walks back into her life, with a massive favor to ask. Drue asks if she will be her maid-of-honor at the society wedding of the summer. Daphne is no longer the same sidekick she was back in high school. She’s build a life she loves, including a growing career as a plus-size influencer. Daphne, however, finds herself powerless as ever to resist her friend’s siren song.

HOLY CRAPY!!! First off how have I never read anything by this author!! This is such a hard book to review, because I do not want to ruin anything! The synopsis the book gives you is really only a portion of what the book is about! There is a massive twist that completely changes the book.

Daphne is a relatable character. She’s a strong character who projects positive body image. In a world where women are constantly trying to find perfection it was nice that the author created a female character that projected a positive role model. This book is discusses how society, especially social media, puts expectations on women to look and act a certain way. I thought this was genius to address these issues.

This is the perfect Summer read and you will NOT be disappointed!! Trust me - just buy it and don’t look back.

This book like all of Jennifer’s work is a masterpiece! I loved every single word on the pages! This is a must summer beach read or in our case lately a must stay at home on the couch with a glass of wine book!! Highly recommend!

Free from NetGalley | Out on May 5 - This is the perfect summer read with some substance, a likable main character and a mystery tied in.


Daphne is an instagram influencer that is working on growing her following. Out of the blue, her friend Drue from high school shows back up in her life and asks for a huge favor, to be a bridesmaid in her upcoming wedding. Even though Daphne is torn and Drue may not have been the greatest friend before, Daphne can’t say no. I really liked Daphne’s character and found her falling back into her friendship with Drue frustrating but relatable. This was a light read but had enough substance with the mystery/twist I wasn’t expecting that kept me turning the page.

Loved this book and was surprised by the ending. Many of us have had that one person we wanted approval of and wanted to be that person. Everyone struggles and no one is perfect. What you see on social media isn’t necessarily true, but is the self people want you to see.

This novel was not what I expected from Weiner, as it was fiction and mystery rolled into one. I enjoyed the journey of the protagonist, Daphne, and became very excited as the book worked its way toward the mystery revelation. I’ve enjoyed most books by this author and will continue to give her new ones a chance. Pretty good book and I enjoyed it, so 4/5 stars ⭐️.

5 out of 5 stars. Jennifer Weiner has done it again with a smart, engaging novel! Big Summer is destined to be BIG this summer (and spring)!

Daphne Berg, a plus size influencer, is hitting her stride on social media when her former best friend, rich girl Drue Cavanaugh, suddenly comes back in her life and asks Daphne to be a bridesmaid in her upcoming Cape Cod nuptials. Daphne reluctantly agrees and is soon back under Drue’s charming ways. On the Cape, the wedding weekend takes an unexpected turn and Daphne is left unraveling the surrounding mystery.

I loved this book and it was a perfect read during quarantine! Jennifer Weiner is able to develop characters who feel real and weaves an engaging story that keeps you flipping page after page!

Thank you to Jennifer Weiner, Atria Books, and Netgalley for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

#NetGalley #BigSummer

Daphne is a plus sized influencer and I love that. She reluctantly agrees to be in one of her sort of friends wedding even though they have some bad blood.
The book moved slowly for me and I found it boring. Also, the flashbacks at time would make the book confusing.

Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC! I’ve read everything Jennifer Weiner has written so was excited to jump into this one. It doesn’t disappoint and I read it in one sitting. It sucks you in quickly with a like able main character and I have to say I loved her cute supportive parents even though they played only a minor role in the story. The story veers left about halfway in but hang in, it’s worth the twists and turns. If you’re looking for a book to suck you in and hold your attention, grab Big Summer!

I have been reading Jennifer Weiners books for years and was so excited to get an advanced copy of her book on netgalley. Her writing always captures and never disappoints. This book is no different, it is the perfect beach read or anytime read. I read this book in a little over a day and finished it well into the evening when I should have been sleeping. This story did not disappoint.

The protagonist Daphne is relatable and I feel like so many can relate to the friends bullying or losing touch with a friend portion. The plot line was entertaining and the chapters went quick. The author did not disappoint and I found myself guessing at this romance and mystery book trying to figure out who did it. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a good read on a summer day with a cold drink in hand. I will definitely be recommending this to my friends and I give this book 5 out of 5 stars. Thank you netgalley and publisher for the advanced copy.

Jennifer Weiner is back with Big Summer, a perfect, juicy summer read.

Daphne Berg is a nanny and plus size instagram influencer who hasn't spoke to her mean girl high school BFF Drue Cavanaugh since just after they graduated. So imagine her surprise when Drue hunts Daphne down to beg her to serve as Drue's maid of honor at her splashy summer society wedding. Drue admits to Daphne that her mean girl tendencies have left her bereft of bridesmaid candidates and promises a fun-filled Cape Cod weekend with lots of hot single guys. Thinking of how it'll benefit her brand online and impress her sponsors, Daphne agrees to step into the bridesmaid role.

But when Drue's wedding weekend is filled with unexpected twists, it leaves Daphne with a mystery to solve and questioning her past and how much she's ever really understood about her best frienemy.

Big Summer is a fast paced read laced with romance and mystery and Daphne is an easy to root for heroine. I couldn't put it down and flew through the entire thing in a single day. It's the perfect escapist beach read to enjoy on a hot summer day. When you grab your favorite beach towel and cold libation, make you sure also pick up Big Summer.