Daphne, who has a big heart for everyone except herself and Drue, the rich, beautiful, but ruthless mean girl have always had a somewhat rocky friendship. A knock down, drag out fight six years ago however, effectively ended the relationship. Fast forward to present day and the two have still yet to come in contact, until Drue calls with an interesting request. Turns out being the mean girl doesn't net you many close friends and she is in desperate need of a maid of honor for her upcoming nuptials. So desperate in fact that she is willing to pay. As Drue is rich and marrying a reality TV star, this is the sure to be the wedding of the summer. Daphne knows as a social media influencer this would be a great move for her career however accepting this invitation also means opening herself up to fresh hurt from an old wound. Drue knows Daphne's weaknesses however and successfully lures Daphne back into her world however things take a decidedly wild turn and the duo is in for a wild ride.
Weiner is a pro at creating "every woman" characters much like Daphne, who successfully encapsulate the thoughts, fears, and insecurities of women everywhere and distilling it down into one highly relatable main character. The gorgeous Massachusetts coastline setting of this one was a much needed reprieve from being housebound and is the closest this reader will ever get to a beach adjacent mansion. The story itself was light but covered some tough topics such a body acceptance and the dark side of social media, giving it some depth. The tone of the story changed dramatically in part two, leading the main duo into a mystery no one saw coming. With a light hearted, but hard hitting storyline, Big Summer successfully blended a multitude of genres, including women's fiction, chic lit, and mystery, into a highly enjoyable summer read.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review. You can get your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/Big-Summer-Novel-Jennifer-Weiner-ebook/dp/B07Z43JXYH/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=big+summer+by+jennifer+weiner&qid=1588015123&sr=8-1lie
You cannot imagine my excitement when I was approved for a Jennifer Weiner book! She is a #1 New York Times bestselling author of seventeen novels! Good in Bed was her first novel published in 2001. I thought it was a Red Dress Ink at the time, which it was not, but the book did not disappoint. I was heavily into those books back in the early 2000s. This is only the 5th book that I have read by her, but I have loved every one of her books and cannot wait to finish telling you about this one and subsequently read her next novel. I just finished Mrs. Everything and loved that as well!
We begin this novel hearing about Drew and her struggle with being “fat”. We then learn about her nemesis in school and I am thinking this book is Mean Girls, Clueless meets Plus size, but as superficial as this book begins, boy does this book get mystery heavy about 50% in. We learn the ins and outs of the Instafamous world. I had no idea that you can actually pimp out your event and have so many sponsorships for each item. I know some people did it, but every book is actually based on some part of reality. Can you imagine being poor and still living the life of luxury? I have seen WWE Superstars get birthday parties and stuff completely sponsored by companies, but a wedding? THREE DRESSES for a wedding!!! Can you imagine ????? This book is filled with betrayal, a knockoff Bachelor situation, fall from money, Weight Watchers, illegitimate children, unknowing siblings, scandal, and more. What could more could you ask from a book? Jennifer does not disappoint and sent me OMGing into the other room. It took me more than a day to read this one, as I was flipping out too much, but I was looking for places to hide in my house while trying to read. I succeeded in escaping the forever hunger cries from my son for a little while. My suggestion to you is sit and read this book- you will not be bored anymore, but plan on reading the entire day into the night on this one, depending on how fast you read.
This book starts in 1994 with Christina on the cape after all the tourists had gone home. She had asked her Daddy for the cottage when she told him she was pregnant and wanting to raise her baby on her own. Christina would raise Aiden without his father, a man married to another woman. We are then fast forwarded to 2018 to a coffee shop where Daphne is looking to be hired as the exclusive face and figure of Leef Fashion. She quickly lands the job after trying on clothes in a coffee shop bathroom, sounds a little humiliating and in this uncertain time, using any bathroom other than my own is kind of ew right now. We learn so much about Daphne, her relationship with Drue, her pseudo best friend, her life, or the life that Drue thinks is happening. This book contains so much! Daphne has some duties as maid of honor that she didn’t even sign up for post wedding. Who would have thought maid of honor would turn into investigator? Crimes committed, influencers galor, abortions to cover up affairs. WOOOH. I cannot say any more, otherwise I will be spoil city! I loved this book!! WOAH BABY!

I've enjoyed books by Jennifer Weiner since high school and always look to their arrival. When Atria Books and Netgalley gave me a chance to read her new one early I was ecstatic. Alas, this one really missed the mark for me. I found the characters to be extremely shallow. Drue and Daphne were both equally infuriating with their actions and I didn't find either character redeeming. There is a twist at the end of Part One that I found surprising but I thought everything after that twist was lackluster. The story didn't always jive well for my reading tastes. I'm all for authors trying new things but for me this book hit the mark. I'd like to see Weiner try something again with this twist that would feel more fulfilling than this endeavor did.

Big Summer by jennifer Weiner was one of my favorite books I've read this year! It has such a great, inclusive message. I could not put it down. I read this during quarantine, and with so many emotions running wild, it was the perfect thing to look forward to and to put positive thoughts in my head.

I gave this book five stars, and recommended it to everyone I know.

Jennifer Weiner brings readers another entertaining read to kick off the summer! Set in both New York and Cape Cod, Weiner brings together mean girls, high profile careers, romance, a bit of the past and a big wedding weekend that is anything but forgettable.

When Daphne Berg starts being contacted by her old friend, Drue, she is reluctant to revisit the friendship. Drue was one of those people that can be toxic, so being her friend was loaded with pitfalls. But this time, Drue insists she has changed and begs Daphne to be a member of her wedding party.

Daphne, being soft-hearted, relents and the wedding festivities soon begin. With everything all picked out, Daphne cautiously heads off to Cape Cod for the big weekend. Up until this point, I was thinking the story might be one that I would forget about soon after reading. However, once the weekend gets under way, an event happens that turns the whole story another direction!

I must say, Weiner definitely grabbed my attention at about the midway point and I flew through the remainder of the book. I like fiction, but throw in a bit of a mystery and I’m hooked. This is great for summer reading!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria for allowing me to read an advance copy and give my honest review.

Jennifer Weiner’s latest book, Big Summer, is women’s fiction at its finest. This time around, Weiner manages to blend her signature wit and charm with a mystery to be solved. Friendship, family and tons of drama fill the pages of this highly entertaining read. With a loveable protagonist and a story that aims to please, Big Summer is the perfect springtime read! Here we go!

Daphne Berg and Drue Cavanaugh were best friends growing up. Drue was the sophisticated wealthy one, while Daphne was the scholarship student at their private high school. After a huge fight and humiliating video that went viral, the two girls went their separate ways. Six years later, Daphne is making her mark as a plus sized Instagram influencer. She is shocked when she receives a phone call from her old friend Drue, begging her to be a bridesmaid in her upcoming society wedding on Cape Cod. After much deliberation, Daphne takes on the role of maid of honor. While the two girls get reacquainted, Daphne reexamines their friendship and how it went awry. The story takes a big turn the night before Drue’s big day. With secrets unraveling and family drama coming to a head, Daphne’s maid of honor duties take on a whole new meaning.

Weiner’s Big Summer did not disappoint. I really enjoyed how her coming of age drama managed to capture contemporary themes of body shaming, social media, self-love and forgiveness. Weiner blended these issues into her story in a way that allows readers to not only empathize with the different characters in the book, but also relate to them on a personal level. I was pleasantly surprised half way through her book when she switched gears and threw a mysterious twist into the mix. A chick-lit and mystery combined...who would have thought that this combo of genres would work so well? Guess what...it absolutely did. Throw in an ocean breeze and a warm Cape Cod summer night, and I am a very happy reader. Once again, Weiner’s book had me glued to my couch completely enthralled. I hope you have the same experience.

I’m not going to lie, I almost stopped reading this book. I’m so glad I decided to stick with it because I ended up really liking it! This book explores friendship, social media, and a murder! I really enjoyed the twists and turns to solving the murder and it was not predictable at all.

I’m always excited for summer and a new Jennifer Weiner book. This one did not disappoint.

I've been a fan of Jennifer Weiner's writing ever since I picked up Good in Bed in 2002. I always know that I'll get a high quality novel when I see her name on the cover. While last year's novel, Mrs. Everything, was a heavier story, Big Summer gets back to the (somewhat) lighter side. If you liked Good in Bed, Best Friends Forever, and/or Goodnight Nobody, you will definitely enjoy this novel!

I was drawn into this novel right away and it kept me engaged and entertained the entire time. There was even a mystery aspect to it, which added to the excitement. I didn't even see that part coming either. I liked the use of social media to carry the story along, in terms of how people present themselves online and what it means to be an influencer in this day and age. The descriptions of people, locations, food, and clothing (even though I am not up to date with fashion labels) enhanced the story even more. It speaks volumes about body shaming, as well. I was so angry reading the part with Daphne's Nana.

This was a great story about a complicated friendship and whether or not people can change from who they used to be. Some of it reminded me of Mean Girls. I enjoyed it thoroughly and had fun getting to know Daphne, Drue, and some of the secondary characters. It's the perfect summer read and a great escape from our current reality.

Movie casting suggestions:
Daphne: Jillian Bell
Drue: Rebecca Rittenhouse
Darshi: Vella Lovell
Nick: Steven Strait
Aditya: Himesh Patel
Leela: JuJu Chan

Thanks to Atria for the book in exchange for an honest review.

Jennifer Weiner is the perfect author for quarantine! Big Summer was just fun and light and a perfect escapist read during these crazy times, I can't wait to share it.

Big Summer by Jennifer Weiner

Brief Summary: Daphne Berg is a plus sized influencer. She’s broke things off with her best friend from childhood Drue Cavanaugh after a humiliating incident that went viral. On the surface Drue leads a picture-perfect life but she can’t keep friends. She tracks Daphne down because she needs her to be a bridesmaid in her upcoming wedding which Daphne agrees too. The wedding is set up to be the perfect picturesque Instagram worthy wedding before foul play breaks out. As a key player and prime suspect, Daphne sets out to uncover the truth. I am a longtime fan of Jennifer Weiner and will always be excited to get her latest read into my hands.

Highlights: The first half of the novel is consistent with what I have come to expect from Weiner; focused on female friendships, complex relationships, drama, and psychosocial issues. In the second half, the plot twists into a thriller which is incredibly well done. I questioned almost everyone and was still surprised by the outcome. I was totally engrossed and couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. I learned a lot about being an Instagram influencer and found it fascinating. This novel does cover issues such as weight loss in a manner which could be triggering to someone with a history of ED. I have seen many people taken advantage by people they cared about; this is a great read for someone who has experienced being used firsthand.

Explanation of Rating: 5/5: Jennifer Weiner nailed it and gave us another memorable book. So different from Mrs. Everything but absolutely as good!

Though it addresses heavy topics; this is a great beach read, a great for book clubs, and a must read for Jennifer Weiner fans.

Thank you to Net Galley and Atria Books for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review

I really enjoyed this book! Having read only the synopsis and no reviews prior to starting Big Summer, I was expecting more of a fluffy beach read - but midway though it turns into a murder mystery which was a (good!) surprise. I have been a big fan of Jennifer Weiner's since way back when Good in Bed first came out - I love her characters and the realness and heart they have, the "don't judge a book by it's cover" thing they have going on. Daphne was no exception - she had her insecurities and struggles, yes, but didn't let them get the best of her. She was a joy to read.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Atria Books and Jennifer Weiner for the invitation to read this early!

Big Summer is exactly the book I needed right now. Daphne is a typical Jennifer Weiner heroine, a smart, feisty, plus-sized social media influencer who finds herself suddenly back in the life of her former best friend/current frienemy and the story takes off from there in unexpected directions. Fun comfort reading that I looked forward to picking up each time. Pick this up while you’re quarantined at home as a really solid entertaining escape.

Anyone else love Jennifer Weiner? I have loved every book of hers and still have several to read on my list. I was thrilled when I got an advanced copy of her newest release, Big Summer. But truthfully, it took me until the 40% mark to actually get really into it.

This one was different for Weiner’s style. She kept going back and forth from the past to the present all within the same chapter and I had to stop several times and reread to figure out which part of life I was supposed to be reading. I will admit… I was getting frustrated because it felt like she was just taking bits and pieces from both parts of life and throwing them together. I couldn’t tell what the book was supposed to be about…fat shaming, lost friendships, new friendships, self esteem issues, romance, etc. But about midway through, things really fell into place when a mystery was thrown into the mix. Then it got really good! Women’s fiction turned mystery? What?

Daphne was so relatable in so many different ways. She was made fun of for many years for her overweight figure. The author did a great job of showing how bullying can affect a person years later in life. I liked how there was so much more to this story than what I thought it was originally going to be about.

I wasn’t blown away with this read like I had hoped to be. I felt the writing style of this story was much different from Weiner’s previous works, but nonetheless, I still really liked it. Definitely worth your time to read, just don’t give up on it due to the slow start at the beginning.

I love this author and can’t wait to see what she brings us next. Thank you to Atria Books for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

Prepare yourself for a thrilling adventure, a cozy mystery that will have you reading way past your bedtime. You will laugh, cry, cheer, boo, and gasp from shock. You will find a new shero who will steal your heart. You will revisit those frenemies from your past who you both loved and hated. You will discover that the bonds of true friendship are unbreakable. Thank you, Ms. Weiner, for an amazing book!

This was an amazing story! It had a little bit of everything in it—romance, Frenemies, murder, and Cape Cod.
I really wanted to read this book because the main character dabbles as an Instagram influencer, which is what I feel like I do I’m my spare time. I love the way Jennifer Weiner develops her characters and just creates these fully flushed lives that I can immediately relate to. This story was a fast read, but so many things are packed into it.

Daphne is trying to live a positive life of self-love as an overweight woman when her high school friend, Drue, (who has also publicly embarrassed her and made her feel very ashamed of who she was) suddenly reappears and asks her to be her bridesmaid. After some convincing Daphne agrees, only to end up as a murder suspect when some shows up dead on the day of the wedding.
The story has a lot of fun surprises and Daphne learns a lot about the friend she thought she knew and about herself and joys of her own life. It was a wonderful story and I highly recommend it!

Wow, I was absolutely blown away by this book. Not sure I should be surprised, because I pretty much love everything Jennifer Weiner writes. She appears to be back to her quintessential style of writing, fun but with an important message.

This is the story of Daphne, an up and coming influencer on instagram. Like all of Weiner characters she is full figured and has recently stopped trying to become something she is not and embracing her body. She lands a her first big contract with an upcoming designer and she has also been asked by her former best friend Drue to be her maid of honor in her up and coming wedding.

This is story is not always linear. Daphne, will share with you her sordid past with Drue, and their circle of friends. You will learn Daphne does not fit at all, money, looks and just about anything else. However, she cannot seem to turn anyway any affection that Drue provides, even if the ulterior motives are not quite sincere.

This book changes directions very quickly about a third of the way in. And as always not everything is as it appears in this story. This book is quite a roller-coaster ride of emotions, and Weiner does a wonderful job making you feel for Daphne, and this surrounding cast.

I honestly did not want this book to end, but it had an extremely satisfying ending. Have fun with this and savor what you can. This will be the perfect summer read for a lot of you.

Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I have read a few of Jennifer Weiner's book and always enjoyed them. I will have to say that I really enjoyed this one because I was completely surprised by the twist that it took! The first part started off good and then began to drag a bit for me. I wanted something to happen. But when it happened, I was totally caught off guard. I found the main character likeable and been a big fan of New York City I loved that it was set there! Her use of description of the Cape where I have never been really brought the location to life. So without giving anything away, I was pleasantly surprised at how I could now put this down and couldn't wait to see what happened! Will be a great summer read for people!

This book. At first blush, it doesn’t quite seem like a fun summery read. But this is definitely a good beach book with a little romance and a little mystery. I really loved reading about Daphne. I enjoyed learning about her challenges - especially her body confidence - and how she worked to turn it into a positive.

Daphne’s relationship with Drue was awful. I hated to see how Drue treated Daphne and now it took so long for Daphne to break free.

This book give you a lot to think about regarding social media - how people look in a snapshot versus how they really are.

Definitely recommend this book. Jennifer Weiner writes a great story.

I did not know much about the plot of this book before reading and it did not disappoint! The first half of this book is an exploration of Daphne’s life struggling with self-acceptance and an exploration of her toxic relationship with her childhood friend Drue. The second half of the book is a face-paced mystery. I did not see that turn coming! I was very invested in how the plot would play out and the ending was surprising but plausible. One character’s backstory mirrors a past news story from Cape Cod. It was an interesting local connection for me as a Boston reader. This was a different kind of story from Jennifer Weiner and it was a very fun read!

Thank you to Jennifer Weiner, Atria Books, and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Atria Books and Netgalley for the ARC of Big Summer! Jennifer Weiner is a favorite author of mine and I was excited to read her latest book.

Big Summer starts out as a topical women's fiction, featuring Daphne, a plus-sized influencer. Daphne struggles with her self image as a young woman, but grows into a more confident adult who isn't afraid to speak her mind. I loved Daphne as a main character, and her flashbacks to her childhood really punctuated the storyline. Drue is Daphne's mean-girl high school bestie, and after not speaking for many years, Drue reaches out to Daphne to be a bridesmaid in her wedding. Although she has reservations, Daphne agrees and takes the opportunity to be a part of of high-profile event in Cape Cod, thinking it may help her influencer campaigns. Things take a turn the night before the wedding, and a mystery ensues to determine who committed a murder.

I definitely wasn't expecting the second half of this book - I was surprised by the turn of events! The book started out as a standard Jennifer Weiner book (which I loved!), then became a whodunnit type of novel. I will say I enjoyed the first half of the book more, as I loved learning about Daphne's past. However, the mystery angle kept me interested and wanting to know what really happened the night before the wedding. This was an enjoyable book that I would recommend to any Jennifer Weiner fan!