Normally, I'm super into Jennifer Weiner's books, but this time around, Big Summer had be struggling to get through. About halfway in, the story took a swift turn and I perked up. But then my feelings fell flat again. I'm not sure why I wasn't drawn to this one (though there is a storyline I found right up my alley), but I wasn't. Oh well. On to the next!

Big Summer publishes 5.5.2020.

3/5 Stars

This absorbing novel from Jennifer Weiner made for a fun quarantine read and will be a great beach book. The protagonist, Daphne, a plus-size influencer, is a relatable character who has understandably mixed feelings when a former "friend"/mean girl begs her to be a bridesmaid in her lavish upcoming wedding. Shockingly, the wedding venue becomes a crime scene, and the pursuit of the perpetrator uncovers many secrets about the events and the relationships that led to the crime. The end wrapped up a little too conveniently and implausibly for me, but this page-turner was such an enjoyable distraction that it merits 4 stars for me. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to netgalley.com for this ARC.

I had read many Jennifer Weiner books when she first started publishing and liked them enough. Her last book Mrs. Everything was good but not great. I was very happy to enjoy Big Summer as much as I did. I hate to describe a book that is about a murder of a young girl as fun but it was fun to read. At parts it was a little unrealistic (think I read too many mysteries) but it was cleverly written and I didn't figure out the whodunnit until pretty late in the book. I enjoyed the characters and always enjoy a book set by the beach and in NYC. (Shout out to the fact that my hometown was mentioned in the book!).

For fans of Jennifer Weiner, I would recommend this book.

Raise your hand if you’re a Jennifer Weiner super fan! I know there are tons of us out there and rightly so, I swear I would read absolutely anything she writes and I would probably love it, even if it’s just a grocery list. She’s just THAT good. Something else impressive about her? She’s able to shake things up and write something new for her and she did an incredible job with it here.

The first half of this one feels like classic JW, you have two female friends with a rocky relationship and you slowly learn about the complexities of said friendship via Daphne’s POV. At about the halfway point things take a sharp turn, (it’s what I alluded to about the author trying something new) and it was unexpected and fantastic and that’s really all I’ll say to steer clear of spoilers. I will say that while there are some heavy topics explored, weight, social media backlash, etc this is still very much a beachy, summery read with depth. It was a great escape for me and per usual I found myself adoring and relating to the characters that the author crafts and loving every single page of this one. Highly recommended by me!

Big Summer is a book that caught me off guard and I ended up enjoying immensely. Jennifer Weiner has penned a fantastic book that is perfect escapism or beach read.

At first place this might appear as a superficial story but there are so many underlaying issues addressed. Friendship, family, social media, personal acceptance, familia love and body image just name a few.

I would say this is a book just to start and not worry about dust jacket summaries or reviews. Dig in and allow yourself to get lost in the story.

This book will be on my favorites list for 2020.

Jennifer Weiner follows up her phenomenal novel Mrs. Everything with a seemingly more lighthearted fictional tale just in time for the relaxing read season.

The leading lady of Big Summer is Daphne , a plus size influencer whose online presence and message of body acceptance is taking off towards a very lucrative fashion line endorsement deal. However, a far from welcome blast from the past is about to disrupt her future plans.

Socialite Drue was once a good friend of Daphne's who had no shame when it came to using and abusing her trust. Daphne broke things off with Drue many years and is truly surprised when her former gal pal shows up to beg Daphne to be the maid of honor at her upcoming wedding to a reality show star. Seems that she has no one else to turn to for such a major life event and while Daphne is less than thrilled about this, the media exposure could be great for the both of them.

Of course, things soon get out of hand, with Daphne trying hard to not fall into those same old patterns of catering to the poor little rich girl. However, Drue's life isn't as picture perfect as it seems and both former friends may have to take a new look at what lies ahead for them separately and together.

I've been reading this story and so far, it's a savvy sweet treat that you will want to enjoy slowly in order to make the page turning fun last longer. If you're a fan of smartly written female friendships, it would be cruel to deprive yourself of such a suitable summer read.

While this felt more like Jen's original books than her last one it did throw a bit of mystery into the middle of the book. I applaud her for continuously trying to mix up her books a bit and not following a formulized pattern that some other authors do once they find success.

Big Summer follows Daphne a plus size instagram influencer who comes back into contact with her former friend Drue who she had previously falling out with and hasn't spoken to since. Drue begs her to be her maid of honor and come be a part of the weekend festivities in Cape Cod.

I anticipated Big Summer being a big hit this summer!

*Thank you to Netgally, Atria Publishing and Jennifer Weiner for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

Weiner explores issues of body image, young adulthood and social media while weaving a surprise mystery and love story together. Great escapism mixed with a bit of substance and youth.

The last Weiner book I read, I wasn't as big of a fan of as the rest of them. This one brought me back to why I enjoy her books so much. The characters were engaging, authentic and original. I enjoyed following and seeing what happened/following the mystery. I didn't see the twist coming which is always a nice surprise. I always enjoy how Weiner creates plus size characters that are real and authentic and not simply a stereotype.

Another great story by Jennifer Weiner! I loved all the unique characters, especially the main character Daphne Berg. This is an entertaining story about frenemies set amongst the crazy world of social media with a mystery to boot!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy. I felt this book was a little slow moving at the beginning. A lot of it was focused on beauty and self image and how people are treated. I did find this interesting and it kept me motivated to finish.

Daphne & Drue are besties and then Drue flips the script and sets Daphne up in a situation that is humiliating and goes viral. Luckily Daphne uses this to change her life, own her self, and her body. They go their separate ways and Daphne becomes a successful big girl influencer on the socials. Drue comes back into her life practically begging for her to be a part of her wedding. She has no friends (no kidding!) and is desperate for bridesmaids. Should Daphne trust her again?

I started this one and immediately dropped into the lighter, fluffier pile mentally and then there's something that happens in the middle that completely changed the genre of this one. I really enjoyed the second half and trying to figure out how this would end. Felt a little (maybe more than a little) predictable, but certainly one that doesn't require a lot of mental gymnastics.

During this pandemic and quarantine, though I am typically an avid reader, I have not had the attention, patience or desire to open a book. My days have been occupied by a house full of offspring, cooking, cleaning and trying to breathe. When I picked up Weiner’s Big Summer, I was unsure whether or not I would be able to concentrate. But I was relieved to discover that this book was just what I needed during this trying time.

The story manages to be chick-lit, a mystery and a commentary on social media, and it hooked me from the start. The main character, Daphne, is smart, creative, and working to come to terms with her plus-size, and in many ways she reminded me of some of the other characters from Weiner’s previous novels. Her relationship with Drue felt authentic, and as I was begging her to not allow Drue back in her life, I also understood how that relationship was beneficial to both women. What did not feel realistic was the fact that Drue had very few women in her life to invite into her wedding party. Even fake women have fake friends to include in the fake social media posts!

I was surprised by the mystery twist, and I love a book with a surprise! The story kept me on my toes, reading well into the wee hours of the night. The ending was unexpected, confirming for me that this was one of Weiner’s best novels and a perfect distraction and escape during a complex time. This book will be on many lists for beach reading!

My thanks to NetGalley for an Advanced Readers Copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in any way.

This was an excellent read! I have read all of Jennifer Weiner’s novels, and I continue to return to her as an author because of her adept skill at characterization. Weiner definitely draws readers in from the first lines and pages. Big Summer did not disappoint. This book, while definitely one that can be devoured as a beach read, definitely had a few twists that I did not see coming, which make me keep turning the pages. I appreciated the multiple storylines of Daphne’s life, although I wish we had learned more about Drue’s father, or at least gained some of his perspective. Nevertheless, it didn’t weaken the storyline, but it did make me curious. Big Summer was also an unexpected treat with a view into the best of both worlds of an East Coast life. I loved the descriptions of NYC and the city life, but the snapshots of the Outer Cape were just as delicious. I would definitely recommend this book, and the author announced just this week that the publisher has agreed to publish the book in early May as opposed to its original June release date. During this time we are all going through together, I know readers new and old, will find Big Summer a delightful escape to the quarantine and social distancing life we are all experiencing. This ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Whenever Jennifer Weiner releases a new book, I am always interested. So far she has not disappointed me with her writing style. Big summer is all about those often horrible years of junior high and high school. Daphne Berg is a plus’s size child who adores the very popular rich girl Drue Cavanaugh. Drue can be a sweet and loving friend to Daphne and then turn around the next day and humiliate and body shame Daphne in a very cruel way. This cycle of abuse continues on for years until one day Daphne stands up for herself and cuts the ties with Drue.
Years later Daphne is a mature and successful woman and she has moved on from the hurt and heartache that Drue inflicted on her as a child. When Drue suddenly re-enters Daphne’s life, and asked her to be a brides maid in her wedding Daphne is shocked. After much pleading and apologizing Daphne then becomes drawn back into Drue’s charming ways. It was at this point that I was thoroughly disgusted with Daphne for caving in and agreeing to be in the wedding. What happens next at the wedding festivities is shocking and and riveting. It was at this point that the story becomes very exciting and not at all what I expected.
I received an advanced reader’s copy from Netgalley and the publisher. This is my honest and unbiased review.

This book was all my favorite genres in one. What I thought to be a fun romcom/romance turned into something far beyond with an intense dramatic plot twist that I won’t spoil you with here! I flew threw parts 2 and 3 of the book within one sitting. I love all aspects of this book where Weiner makes you relate & feel for each character, insane unpredictable twists, & humor. A fabulous recommended beach or quarantine read! I’m always excited for a Jennifer Weiner book and this one did not disappoint!!
**I requested and received a temporary digital ARC copy of this book from #NetGalley in an exchange for an honest review**

I LOVED Mrs. Everything and while this book isn't quite as good as that one, it's definitely a keeper. I was a bit confused about the beginning and how it tied into the rest of the plot, but there is a HUGE twist (not really hinted at in the book jacket) at the 50% mark that got me hooked. I couldn't put it down after that! I didn't *completely* buy the ending, but I loved getting to know the main character Daphne, and I thought the author did a great job building out the character of Drue and her crazy backstory. I definitely recommend this book for an entertaining read on the beach (or, more likely, on your couch during quarantine)!

Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for providing an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Review posted on Goodreads on April 16, 2020.

Free from Atria Books | This was a pleasant surprise! This combination of beach read meets women’s fiction meets mystery really worked- this would be great to bring with you on a summer vacation. Daphne Berg has really come into her own as an Instagram influencer. Growing up, she was never the type to put herself out there, but after a falling out with her rich, alluring, and often cruel best friend, Drue Cavanaugh, Daphne takes it as an opportunity to learn to be more comfortable in her skin. So when Drue walks back into Daphne’s life with a big favor to ask after radio silence for 6 years, she’s rightfully taken aback. Daphne finds herself succumbing to her old friend’s charms and agrees to be in her wedding party at her lavish wedding that’s set to take place this summer. Some of the finer points were out there, but Daphne’s struggles with body confidence, living life on social media, and complicated friendships were worth the read for me. 4 stars.

I got an advanced copy of this book through Netgalley and absolutely loved it! It had a lot of what I enjoy in a book—drama, romance, and plot twists! This is the story of Daphne and her best friend Drue, two private school girls living very different lives. The book takes on the subjects of self-confidence and self-worth while also entertaining the reader throughout. A must read!

I'm a Jennifer Weiner fan, and this book was just the light read I needed for a heavy time in our world. Highly recommend!