Jennifer Weiner is so hit or miss for me. I feel sometimes the way her books are perceived is actually not what the plot is, at all. This book does come with a lot of triggers that readers should be aware of, especially given what is currently happening in society. It's a coming of age novel, but a little heavier read.

I tried about 20% of this one but it just wasn't working for me- after talking with some trusted sources, I don't think this book is for me.

This was not my favorite. I think the subject matter was way off base from what I was expecting when wanting to read this.

Did not get to this book. Unfortunately was never able to read this one and read Jennifer Weiner's latest release of her Summer novels instead.
Her books are long, so need to commit to reading them and I just didn't fit this one in.
The low ranking is not a reflection of the work itself, but rather speaks to the fact that I selected other books over this title.

•Description•
#metoo
Secrets
Revenge

•Rating•
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5 Stars
I recommend this book!

•Review•
I would say this is a perfect "summer read", but the subject matter definitely isn't that carefree. I enjoyed this book from page one. This book is old-school Weiner, but with a very modern, very now take. I love her characters. I want to know them and hang out with them. Diana and Daisy were no exception. Go get this book. You'll be glad you did!

Liked this way more than I thought I would! The author’s last book wasn’t for me, but I was pleasantly surprised by this story. The characters were well drawn out, ESPECIALLY BEATRICE. Loved the nuance of a strong girl being a little weird. The plot was well paced and the ending fit the story well.

Another solid read from the Queen of women's fiction. Daisy and Diana seem like such an unlikely pair, and there is a mystery there. I liked this once because I didn't see it at first, there were lots of twists and turns to follow. It was a lovely story, but also a sad and tragic one. This book gave me all of the feels, and I really enjoyed it!

I have a bone to pick with the way they are marketing Jennifer Weiner's books... I take it they are very much leaning into the "beach read" scheme (which yes, is better than "chick lit") but if I am being honest it turned me off of reading this book until over a year after it was published. And I think that marketing does not do justice at all to the depth of the storytelling and character building she is executing, especially in this one. (Must admit here that I really did not enjoy her first 'Cape Cod' series book that came out in 2020.)

I really had no idea where this one was going until halfway through. At some point it became clear there was a deeper connection between the two protagonists and it was pretty obvious what it was, but I really wanted to find out how everything was going to shake out in the end... and it was a pretty satisfying denouement, as far as plots that revolve around the comeuppance of privileged white males in the #metoo era go. Weiner does a nice job illustrating the complexity and personal nature of #metoo conflicts without being preachy or quixotic.

Thank you to the publisher for the ARC (and apologies for the delayed reading and review.)

Loved this book and I have shared it with friends and on my blogs/instagram. Such a great beach read.

This was so much more than it expected. It’s not a fun and easy summer book. It tackles heavy, triggering subjects but I thought it was done so well. I loved the setting and the evolution of the women’s friendship. I especially love Diana and Michael together. It made me feel safe and warm to read their scenes. I’ve seen others say that this story is too late… but why should #metoo stories only be told during a specific time frame ? I believe stories like Diana’s need to continue to be told.

This was just "ok" to me. I loved the first book in this series. This seemed like a "I have to write it" book. The title is also misleading in that it's a light or fluffy book.

Loved it! Jennifer Weiner has never disappointed, but this is one of her best. I am enjoying her transition into an annual "summer" book and they keep getting better. Daisy was an interesting and likable heroine in this timely story. The author has such a relatable style and fantastic ear for dialogue. Perfect book for backyard or poolside reading.

I really enjoyed this book! I am always impressed by Jennifer Weiner's writing. I liked the dual timeline and how it kept me coming back for more until the timelines and protagonists' stories overlapped. I also always enjoy how Weiner's books often include information about the whole family. It gives a full picture of the characters and allows us to really grow attached and watch their development throughout the story.

Jennifer Weiner is a master writer of realistic fiction. She understands her characters and everyone can relate to them. I have read every one of her books and this is one of her best. I highly recommend it.

This was NOT a fluffy, beachy read, but it was certainly heartwarming - if a little heavy-handed. Jennifer Weiner is a classic summertime author and That Summer was engaging but not a top book for me...

Jennifer Weiner is always a summer hit!

I think that this was a great read. I liked the dual narration and the way she moved back and forth in time to tell the story. I think she tackled tough issues in a really accessible way, and I can see the inspiration from the Brett Kavanaugh confirmation hearings.

I really loved Beatrice as a character and the way Weiner included her perspective in the story. I liked the ending, too!

Thanks to Netgalley and Simon and Schuster for the opportunity to read this e-arc!

Loved the story!

Description
INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

“Weiner, the undisputed boss of the beach read, is back with another stunner.” —The New York Times

“That Summer Is Your *IDEAL* Beach Read.” —Cosmopolitan

Named a Most Anticipated Book of Spring 2021 by Marie Claire, Bustle, Good Morning America, CNN, PopSugar, Good Housekeeping, Frolic, Country Living, and Working Mother

Named a Notable Work of Fiction by The Washington Post

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Big Summer comes another deliciously twisty novel of intrigue, secrets, and the transformative power of female friendship.

Daisy Shoemaker can’t sleep. With a thriving cooking business, full schedule of volunteer work, and a beautiful home in the Philadelphia suburbs, she should be content. But her teenage daughter can be a handful, her husband can be distant, her work can feel trivial, and she has lots of acquaintances, but no real friends. Still, Daisy knows she’s got it good. So why is she up all night?

While Daisy tries to identify the root of her dissatisfaction, she’s also receiving misdirected emails meant for a woman named Diana Starling, whose email address is just one punctuation mark away from her own. While Daisy’s driving carpools, Diana is chairing meetings. While Daisy’s making dinner, Diana’s making plans to reorganize corporations. Diana’s glamorous, sophisticated, single-lady life is miles away from Daisy’s simpler existence. When an apology leads to an invitation, the two women meet and become friends. But, as they get closer, we learn that their connection was not completely accidental. Who IS this other woman, and what does she want with Daisy?

From the manicured Main Line of Philadelphia to the wild landscape of the Outer Cape, written with Jennifer Weiner’s signature wit and sharp observations, That Summer is a story about surviving our pasts, confronting our futures, and the sustaining bonds of friendship.

I will admit I did not find Jennifer Weiner until I read Mrs Everything and I cannot tell you how much I loved that book. Ever since then I have made a small tradition of a Jennifer Weiner book in the summer sun in my garden with a cup of coffee. It is a small slice of paradise for me. That Summer is no exception. In That Summer we get to spend time on the shores of Cape Cod and learn about friendship in the process.

Absolutely phenomenal! I love how Weiner took on a difficult subject matter with dignity and grace. The fallout from experiencing trauma comes in all shapes and sizes and Weiner highlights the struggles of surviving sexual assault with an unexpected twist. This book did have a heavy subject matter, but Weiner's beautiful writing made it easy to digest. The characters in That Summer felt real and I was invested in their stories 100%. Weiner knows how to write female characters better than anyone and always hits on relevant topics. The Cape Cod atmosphere was on point once again and I look forward to more "Summer " books from this amazing author.

This was one of my favorite books by Jennifer Weiner. I enjoyed the protagonist and most of the characters (sans the villains).. I loved how everything came together at the end. I couldn't put this one down and will be reading more by this author!