Thank you to @NetGalley and @atriabooks for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Breakaway by Jennifer Weiner is an absolute gem of a novel that combines humor, heart, and a journey of self-discovery. This story follows Abby Stern, a plus-size cyclist who leads a group bike trip from New York City to Niagara Falls, encountering unexpected challenges and rediscovering herself along the way.

What I Loved:
Character Development: Abby is a deeply relatable and likable protagonist. Weiner expertly portrays her struggles with body image, self-worth, and relationships, making her journey both compelling and inspiring.
Engaging Plot: The storyline is both fun and thought-provoking. The mix of romance, personal growth, and the dynamics of the cycling group keeps the narrative engaging from start to finish.
Humor and Heart: Weiner’s signature humor shines through, providing plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. At the same time, the novel tackles serious themes with sensitivity and depth, creating a perfect balance.
Supporting Characters: The diverse cast of characters on the bike trip adds richness to the story. Each character brings their own unique perspective and contributes to Abby’s journey in meaningful ways.

Overall Impression: The Breakaway is a beautifully written and emotionally resonant novel that celebrates the importance of self-acceptance and the power of community. Jennifer Weiner has crafted a story that is both entertaining and deeply moving, making it a must-read for fans of contemporary fiction and romance.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

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As usual, Weiner told a compelling story with many interrelated subplots. Some might think that she tried to cover too much in one book. But, I felt the underlying theme was that parents want the best for their children. However, as all of us who are parents know, we’re human, we make mistakes and for some of us those mistakes are so great we cannot help our children succeed. But, there are often others who can help. It was a book I couldn’t put down.

I’m a little surprised at just how much I enjoyed THE BREAKAWAY! I have only read one other book by Jennifer Weiner before, but I loved this one so much more. I found Abby’s struggles with self-esteem to be very relatable, and I thought all of the characters in this book were complex and realistic. I also loved the alternating chapters that followed the different members of the bike tour. I disagree with the reviews that complained that the author was “shoving her political views down readers’s throats.” Although this book involves discussion of political issues like abortion, I thought Weiner did an excellent job of showcasing the complexities of this issue.

The thing I disliked the most about this book was the constant COVID mentions. I honestly don’t know if I’ve found an author who has really figured out the right balance to strike with incorporating the pandemic. I don’t think it’s right to just pretend it didn’t happen, but the questions like “How was the pandemic for you?” felt dated in a book published in 2023. That’s not a question I could really imagine asking anyone in real life. There were a couple of other references that also struck me as dated, particularly the reference to Hilaria Baldwin. Not a major problem, but something I disliked nonetheless.

I had very high hopes for this book, and loved the concept of a woman’s personal journey on a bike ride through upstate New York. However, the characters were often unrelatable, the politics too liberal and preachy, and the plot was boring. There was a specific scene that happened in the book that really offended me as a reader for several reasons and I simply stopped reading after that. I’m sorry that I wasted my time on this drivel.

I always enjoy receiving ARCs of Jennifer’s books! I look forward to them every year, and she never disappoints!

Abby Stern, at 33, feels like she’s finally found her place in the world—at least mostly. But when an unexpected opportunity to lead a cycling trip comes up, everything she thought she had figured out gets thrown into question. And, of course, running into Sebastian, the guy she had a one-night fling with, doesn’t make things easier.

What I loved about this book was how real Abby’s journey felt. From her complicated relationship with her body to the lifelong tensions with her mom, it all came across as genuine and relatable. The cycling trip became a backdrop for some deep self-reflection, and I found myself rooting for Abby to figure it all out.

Weiner does a great job weaving together humor, emotion, and romance. I especially enjoyed the cast of characters Abby meets along the way—everyone has their own baggage, and their stories add a lot of depth to the narrative. Plus, the dynamic between Abby and her mom, Eileen, was painfully real but also hopeful. I felt like the extra characters added in added so much value to the story and also just helped build upon the main couple's personalities in a way that took this story to the next level. It's not often to see sex addiction addressed within a MMC and I have to give it to JW, she really did a great job addressing that in a realistic but delicate way.

This book is a great mix of self-discovery, love, and second chances, and while it’s an easy read, it doesn’t shy away from addressing body image, complicated family dynamics, sexual addiction and trauma, and the idea that it’s okay to not have everything figured out by a certain age.

This was a fun book, and I really appreciated the opportunity to read it! I will recommend this book.

I loved the previous author's work and I was so excited to dive into The Breakaway. I think the idea behind the book was wonderful and her writing style is always well done. I usually love her characters too, but Abby and Sebastian didn't work for me. Abby seemed very judgmental and I thought she was pretty awful to Mark for no good reason. Sebastian gave me the ick, especially since he didn't seem to have much going on besides his looks. I did like the plots outside of the romance, especially the stuff between Abby and her mom. Although I didn't love this one, I would still read the author's next releases.

Thank you to netgalley.com for this ARC.

As usual, Jennifer Weiner does not disappoint. This was an interesting take on a summer novel. An engaged woman leading a bike tour across NY State meets up with the one night stand that she can't forget. This book has some heavily topics mixed in what could be considered a summer novel. While the ending was somewhat predictable, I enjoyed the journey there. And was interested in learning about long haul bike trips as well as reading about places in NY that I have visited or hope to visit.

Jennifer Weiner's The Breakaway skillfully explores self-discovery and complex relationships through Abby Stern’s cycling journey from NYC to Niagara Falls. Weiner’s portrayal of Abby’s inner conflict—juggling her long-term relationship with Mark, lingering memories of a past fling, and the challenging dynamics with her mother—is compelling and nuanced. The cycling trip serves as a powerful backdrop for Abby’s emotional growth and self-acceptance. This novel compares favorably to Weiner’s previous works, like Big Summer, offering a more intimate, personal narrative. While it may not delve as deeply into societal issues, it excels in character development and the portrayal of personal evolution.

Much of the book was focused on weight. I did enjoy the plot, but some events happened that really didn’t flow with the narrative.

Haven’t read Jennifer Weiner in awhile but she has always written great, thoughtful books about fat women and this is no exception. In fact, it’s set in the 21st century with more balanced info about fatness and health and everything. I loved Abby the cyclist, off to lead a bike packing trip because she’s healthy. I was a little worried about some of the way it was written following some of the different folks on a whim but it worked well. It gave you just enough information to add to the story without telling unnecessary details.

I love Jennifer Weiner but this was not my favorite of hers.

Abby and Sebastian were not the characters for me. I found them both annoying and unlikable.

I also really don’t enjoy instant love in books. It isn’t realistic or relatable.

As a plus sized woman, I was annoyed that Abby made that her entire personality and life. There’s so much more to life than our size.

This is a cute, quirky rom-com that will leave you breathless from both the passion and the laughs. The characters were sparkly, fun and believable. I enjoyed the storytelling . . . especially the descriptions. I felt like I was on my bike! This is a good book to read late into the night on the deck by the twinkle of fireflies.

Jennifer has done it again! "The Breakaway" weaves a compelling narrative of family secrets, resilience, and self-discovery. Through vivid characters and poignant storytelling, Weiner explores themes of identity and the complexities of relationships. With its emotional depth and engaging plot twists, this novel captivates from start to finish.

"The Breakaway" written by Jennifer Weiner, is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged novel that explores the journey of a young woman struggling with self-acceptance and the complexities of love. This contemporary fiction delves deep into the main character's internal conflicts and takes us on a rollercoaster of emotions. This novel explores the protagonist's journey towards self-discovery and self-acceptance. As a fat girl confused about her life, she grapples with societal expectations and struggles to find her own voice amidst the pressures to conform. The author sensitively portrays her insecurities and vulnerabilities, allowing readers to empathize with her and cheer for her personal growth. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when she coincidentally encounters the same person during a bike ride excursion, what are the odds! This encounter forces her to confront her decisions and evaluate her priorities. The romance storyline add a layer to the narrative. The chance encounter with her one-night stand, while she is still in a relationship, presents her with a moral dilemma. This complex situation adds depth to the plot, highlighting the complexities of human emotions and the fragility of relationships. The writing style is engaging and vivid, enabling readers to immerse themselves in the protagonist's emotional journey.
While "The Breakaway" is a compelling read, there were moments when the pacing felt slightly uneven. Some sections of the book seemed rushed, whereas others delved into intricate details.
In conclusion, "The Breakaway" is a poignant and introspective novel that tackles themes of self-acceptance, love, and the pursuit of personal happiness. It is a book that will resonate with readers who appreciate stories that explore the complexities of human relationships and the power of self-discovery.

Jennifer Weiner is a favorite author of mine, and this book was a delight. It follows characters on a bike journey from New York to Niagra Falls. I also enjoyed the diversity of body size in this book. I think this book would be great for an easy, summer beach read.

I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing this book to me.

I rate this book 4 stars.

Jennifer wiener is one of my favorite authors and this book did not disappoint. This felt very different than other things she has written. I really enjoyed this story and the backdrop of the bike trail from NYC to Niagara Falls. I also appreciate that many of her characters are plus sized!

Like many of Weiner's novels, this was well written and enjoyable. I don't know if it's me having read too many of her books, outgrowing her storylines, or just this book in particular, but it felt a little stale. It would be good for taking to the pool or beach when you need something that doesn't require your full attention, but I'm at a point where that isn't the reading experience I'm looking for. I will definitely continue to read her books, but with lowered expectations knowing that they are starting to all feel the same.

Loved this book. Jennifer Weiner managed to make heavy themes enjoyable with likeable characters. The setting of an extended group bike trip was so fun and different from other books I have read. Sign me up for a bike tour with stops along at Indie bookstores. Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced digital copy.