This definitely was not the light, fluffy beach read that I was expecting, so definitely look up trigger warnings if you need them.

I don’t want to get in to too much of the synopsis, because I think it’s better to go in to this one a little blind. It was a little hard to follow along from the multiple timelines and points of view in the beginning, but once it was revealed how they all fit together, it was so satisfying. It has been a long time since I have read a Jennifer Weiner book, but I will definitely be picking up more soon!

Sadly, this one wasn't for me. I heard some mixed reviews on the book and that made me hesitate to start it, and when I finally did, my heart just wasn't in it. I do think it could be someone else's cup of tea andI might give it another chance down the road, but for now I'm just gonna set it aside!

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! No spoilers. Beyond amazing I enjoyed this book so very much. The characters and storyline were fantastic. The ending I did not see coming Could not put down nor did I want to. Truly Amazing and appreciated the whole story. This is going to be a must read for many many readers. Maybe even a book club pick.

I've enjoyed all of Jennifer Weiner's book except this one. Where is Jennifer's trademark humor? Instead of an enjoyable, funny beach read I had to sort through a parable exposing the tragedies faced by the victims of the #metoo movement. Not for me.

From the cover and title you might think this is a light beach read. It is not. It is about innocence stolen in the rape of a 15 year old girl and the lives impacted even years later until there is a reckoning. I listened to the audio book which is definitely R rated. There is a strangely graphic steamy episode in addition to the traumatic rape description.

But overall it’s an important book And accessible story. It’s a good read with different points of view. Sutton Foster is a fantastic narrator. 3 1/2 stars

I've enjoyed Jennifer Weiner's writing from her first book, Good in Bed, through to her current release, That Summer.
Now, that cover shot does promise a 'beach read'. And indeed a lot of the book is set in Cape Cod, with much love for the the beach/sun/water and more. But there's a deeper story found in That Summer.

Daisy keeps receiving emails for a woman whose e-address is almost identical. They converse and Daisy and Diana decide to meet up. They hit it off and a new friendship is formed. But Diana seems to have a hidden agenda....

The point of view switches from Daisy to Diana, as well as Daisy's teen daughter Beatrice. The listener slowly learns about the past of each of the leads - and how and why their lives have crossed.

Both women are engaging characters and I connected and empathized with both of them, but felt more drawn to Diane. She's a stronger character, while Daisy seems to let life take direction from her husband. But, I have to say that I really loved Beatrice, whos seems to have her head on straight and her sense of self firmly defined by fifteen. And on the other side of the coin is Daisy's husband Hal. Seriously unlikable - which is being kind.

I don't want to provide spoilers, so I'm just going to say that Weiner always weaves relevant social issues through her books. Fair warning to gentle listeners - this one is pretty heavy. Weiner's handling of that issue has been written with thoughtfulness and care while still spelling out the aftermath. There's lots of food for thought in this novel. I must admit, I did have a hard time with the ending - it's not what I would have liked to see, and I questioned if it truly would happen outside of the pages of a book. The ending would make for a great book club discussion.

I chose to listen to That Summer. And I have to say that this book had a bigger impact on me in audio format than print. The narrator is always plays a big part in that. Sutton Foster was the reader and she was a great choice. I've listened to her before and have enjoyed her reading. She has a very pleasant voice that suited Daisy perfectly. She changes it up for Diana, so you know who is speaking. There's a rich undertone to Foster's voice that is quite pleasant to listen to. She enunciates well and her pace of speaking is just right. She infuses feeling into Weiner's words and easily transmits the many emotions of the plot. Another great performance for Foster. Hear for yourself - listen to an audio excerpt of That Summer.

Wow. This book, while many would deem it a beach read, goes so much deeper than that. I don’t say this lightly- this book is one of the best I’ve read so far this year. It has so many pieces to it- thought provoking and of the time. The questions it brings about generations and the Me Too movement are ones to be discussed. Jennifer Weiner spoke about this book on the podcast I produce, “Olivia’s Book Club the Podcast,” and when she discusses the hope for new generations to find their ground- this stood out to me the most. An incredible book.

This novel wasn't what I was expecting, in the best kind of way. It's not a light breezy read. I see it labeled as a romance in some places and want to be clear this is NOT that.

This a timely work of contemporary fiction focused on the #MeToo movement. It's a compelling, intricately woven story. I'm impressed with Weiner's ability to structure the story as she did. We follow two different women with the same name, through separate timelines as their lives begin to intertwine, because of something that happened in the past.

I listened to the audio book narrated by Sutton Foster and found it absolutely riveting. I would look for things to do around the house that would let me listen to my book a little longer, that's how I know it's good! Foster matches the fast pace and emotional content of the writing to create a powerful listening experience.

This is a novel about trauma and recovery. It explores different paths for healing and closure, and the long term consequences of rape as both the victim and the perpetrator. I highly recommend this one for readers of women's fiction and current issues.

The narrator is excellent in this audio.

Fifteen-year-old Diana is spending her first summer away from home, working as a Mother’s Helper, on Cape Cod. The woman she’s working for knows her mother so permission from her parents was slightly easier to get if the situation was different. Diana enjoys the kids she’s minding, the friends she meets on the beach, and most importantly, her new crush, a boy named, Poe. She knows that’s not his real name, but the group of boys he’s with, all seniors from Emlen, a prep school in New Hampshire, all have silly nicknames. The girls in her new group of friends seem to know them all. Diana and Poe flirt harmlessly all summer and the day before their last, Poe tells her about a bonfire on the beach the next night, everyone’s last, that’s a tradition for everyone to say goodbye before they all leave for school. Diana is determined to go. When she gets there Poe casually puts his arm around her shoulder, Diana is secretly thrilled, maybe he really does like her. They sit in the sand with everyone else and he hands her a cup and says, “here you go, drink up.” Not much is said in the book after this, but Diana’s best night in her young life, turns into her worst.

I personally, had to read the Prologue several times to make sure I didn’t miss something. What happened that night isn’t clearly explained until later in the book. After my third reading, it becomes clear that Diana was forced into something she was not ready for, nor gave consent to. (This is not a spoiler.)

We then meet Daisy, whose real name is also Diana, she’s married to Hal, a lawyer, whose thirteen-years older than she. Their daughter, Beatrice is a student at Emlen, and is about to be disciplined or expelled by the school for protesting. Hal, who’s often a little distant with his family, doesn’t want to deal with the situation, and wants Daisy to take care of it.

Meanwhile, Daisy has been getting emails meant for another Diana, that clearly has a more glamorous life than she does. Eventually she contacts this Diana, who’s email is one letter off from hers, and they agree to meet for drinks. The first Diana knows Daisy is married to Hal, who she thinks might be the “Poe” that raped her on that beach so long ago, and she’s out for revenge.

There’s much more to this story that I will not reveal here, but it is definitely worth reading. Jennifer Weiner deals with an important and serious topic in this book that is obviously, not a simple beach read, nor a rom-com. This story deals with male privilege, or the privilege they think they have, without thought of consequences. Also, should rape victims confront their rapists, and seek revenge? I’m not a psychiatrist, but I’m thinking this is probably not a good solution. I have a lot more questions, as I’m sure this book is meant to stir up, so let the discussions begin. Book Clubs this is a definite choice for a fall meeting.

I had difficulty in writing this review not only because of the topic but also because of its presentation in the novel. Jennifer Weiner is an outstanding author, but I was a bit confused at times in this one, so I’m rating it four out of five stars. Please don’t let that deter you, it’s important to read.

Thank you Netgalley, Atria Books, and Jennifer Weiner

View my fun Q&A Elevator Ride with the Author. https://bit.ly/QAJenniferWeiner

Mega talented superstar #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Weiner returns following Big Summer, with her latest, THAT SUMMER. Also, set in Cape Cod, the author tackles the #MeToo movement and many more emotionally charged topics ripped from today’s headlines.

THAT SUMMER opens with a woman named Daisy (whose real name is Diana, opening an email meant for another woman named Diana.

This sparks a conversation, and the two unlikely women meet up for drinks in New York, and a friendship develops. However, was the meeting planned or by chance?

Daisy and Diana are opposites—Daisy, a housewife, married to a successful lawyer with an outspoken spirited, quirky teenage daughter, Beatrice.

She did not graduate from college, due to her circumstances and chose to marry instead. Everyone takes her for granted. She also is a great cook and has a cooking business that no one in the family seems to take seriously.

Diana is a career woman and independent. However, is she really? Things are not as they seem. The two women find they have more in common than they could have imagined and a friendship develops.

There is an ongoing mystery developing and Jennifer takes us back to a time with Diana in her teens and suffered a horrific tragedy on Cape Cod one summer. This forever changed the course of her life. She has held on to this painful secret for so long. Now, as an adult, she is trying to move on from her past. However, can she?

She tries desperately to put the past behind her until she is confronted with the past head-on.

Slowly the cards are placed on the table and these two women are connecting in ways they could not have imagined. The ugly past is revealed and many have been living a lie. Do you really know your spouse?

Beautifully written, Jennifer weaves a heartbreaking tale of triumph over tragedy.

All the while, she skillfully draws a connection between appearance, status, and perception, from privilege, social class, career choices, success to age, body size, social status, bullying, rape, abuse, accountability, forgiveness, revenge, and much more. #metoo

THAT SUMMER is not a light fluff beach read; however, it is so much more!

The setting and descriptions are vivid and evocative, and the innermost feelings of the characters are emotional and come alive on the page.

Character-driven and suspenseful, fans of Weiner and new fans alike will become immersed in this storyline as well as the adorable beach cottage, new relationships, crafting, seashells, art, and most of all mouthwatering food descriptions.

When reading JW books, they transport you. You can almost smell the wine, taste the gourmet food, and hear the ocean.

I fell in love with Michael and Diana and the adorable beach cottage and the restaurant. I have read all JW’s books, and this was one of my favorites! Highly recommend! An avid fan, needless to say, Jennifer Weiner is a mega-star! The hardcover is stunning.

Celebrating 20 years of books! Congrats to the winner of the book giveaway contest and see the results of the voting. https://bit.ly/QAJenniferWeiner

THE AUDIOBOOK: The audiobook is a "Must Listen" narrated by none other than Sutton Foster (from Younger TV)

NOTE FROM JENNIFER: "I’m so thrilled to have Sutton Foster @suttonlenore as the narrator for THAT SUMMER.” (True story: my older daughter is a Broadway fan antic and a Sutton Foster superfan, so when I was lucky enough to be asked to do a cameo on @youngertv, I, of course, brought Lucy with me, and Sutton Foster could not have been nicer.) She’s a huge talent and a lovely person and I am so excited to hear what she’s done with THAT SUMMER....which you can order on audio."

P.S. Readers, I am a huge fan of Younger TV (favorite) and loved the episode with guest Author Jennifer Weiner when it came out. If you missed you you can see a clip on Jen's IG and her personal note.

I am #currentlywatching Season 7 now - the final season (on ParamountPlus) Going to miss this show! Also, a big fan of Sutton Foster and she does a killer job as narrator of THAT SUMMER audiobook! It is fabulous! Highly recommend the book and audio.

#JDCMustReadBooks

A special thanks to Atria and NetGalley for an advanced reading copy, beautiful hardcover, and audio copy.

“That Summer” tells the story of two women on two different paths, who are connected by a couple of men and their actions at Cape Cod one summer. It’s fiction, but deals with heavier topics than a typical beach read which is what one may assume this book is when looking at the cover. While I appreciated the societal commentary, I found the book to be a tad on the boring side. I’ve read quite a few of Jennifer Weiner’s books and this one just doesn’t stand out to me like some of her others. Sutton Foster from “Younger” narrates the audiobook and I enjoyed her calming narration. Overall, it was a solid read, but not one that I loved. 3 stars ⭐️. Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the advanced copy.

I was so excited to read this book because I loved Big Summer by Jennifer Weiner; I was interested in this storyline until I wasn't. I'm not sure where in the book, I lost interest, but I did.

In That Summer, we focus on the lives of two women who are both named Diana and a teenage girl. I understand the POV the teenage girl brought to the story, but it wasn't essential to the overall story. I did love the plot and concept of That Summer; I just thought the story's focus was off.

I would still recommend That Summer because while it wasn't for me, I can see why people would like it. However, I wish Jennifer Weiner spent more time on the book's central idea (trying not to give anything away). I do think I would watch a movie or a tv show based on this book.

This was so good SO good. Before I get into my review, do know this story centers around sexual assault. I have never read anything like this, not only do you go through the pain of sexual assault and the process of getting through it, this book shows you the life of the sexual assaulter, which was really interesting. I also think the hard topics were handled very well. I really loved this book and for that I give it a 4.5 out of 5. Definitely go read it once it comes out!

CW: This book depicts rape in graphic detail (from the victim's perspective).

If, like me, you haven't read a Jennifer Weiner book since the early aughts (Good in Bed, In Her Shoes), you're in for a treat with THAT SUMMER. Weiner's writing has always been observant, sharp, emotionally nuanced and thoughtful, but her boldness in this latest novel was a delightful surprise. It's not just the subject matter that feels invigorated and brave -- though it is -- but Weiner's writing itself, which is tense, surprising, and efficient. In a word, her prose is fearless.

THAT SUMMER is the story of two Dianas. We meet the first at age 15, bright-eyed and naive and in love with a prep school boy she meets while working as a mother's helper one summer on Cape Cod. Seven years after that summer of first love and shattered innocence, the same Diana is bent on revenge for the crimes perpetrated against her that eponymous summer -- and that drive for retribution leads her to Diana #2. This Diana is a wife and mother who is slowly coming to realize that her marriage may have robbed her of the chance to be the woman she might have been, and trapped her in an existence where she'll never feel validated and truly seen. As the past and present collide, both Dianas are forced to reckon with their pasts, and the way in which those years were shaped, against their will, by men.

Sutton Foster is a brilliant narrator, with a clear, bright tone and precise elocution. She doesn't alter the pitch of her voice for various characters, but rather alters the tone and mood of her narration as needed. She was easy to listen to, and I hope she'll keep narrating for Weiner in the future.

This is a hard one to rate. I feel like the first half of the book was completely confusing. It all came together in the last half, but there were so many triggers for me. I’m seriously talking about a lot of triggers!! And I felt like it was way too political. We want to escape from reality when reading fiction and at times I felt like this was nonfiction. After reading this book it just put me in such a bad mood. And I love Jennifer’s books so much. I’m hoping her next one will be better.

Jennifer Weiner is a perennially popular author. In That Summer, she is in top form, delivering exactly the novel that her fans want. It is immersive and takes on a social issue. The book also has well developed characters, settings that come to life, complex relationships and…food!

It is difficult to review this title without spoilers. Readers will want to see the plot unspool for themselves. The set up of centers on two women Diana and Daisy who have similar addresses on line. This leads to their getting together and spending a good amount of time in each other’s company. What will be revealed as they become better acquainted? What will happen to them as truths are revealed? How do the events of THAT SUMMER influence all that takes place? Read the novel to find out.

I both read and listened to this title. The narration was pitch perfect and provided by Sutton Foster.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.